PROPOSED GREAT KAROO WIND FARM, NORTHERN CAPE … · proposed great karoo wind farm, northern cape...

PROPOSED GREAT KAROO WIND FARM,

NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE

CONSTRUCTION & OPERATION

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (EMPr)

Revision 1

July 2019

Prepared for

Great Karoo Wind Farm (Pty) Ltd

P.O. Box 50525

Waterfront

8002

Prepared by

Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd

PO Box 148, Sunninghill, 2157

Tel: +27 (0)11 656 3237

Fax: +27 (0)86 684 0547

E-mail: [email protected]

PROPOSED GREAT KAROO WIND FARM (PHASE 3 OF THE HIDDEN VALLEY WIND ENERGY FACILITY)


Environmental Management Programme: Revision 1 July 2019

Project Details Page i

PROJECT DETAILS

DEA Reference No. : 12/12/20/2370/3

Title : Environmental Impact Assessment Process

Environmental Management Programme: Proposed

Soetwater Wind Farm (Phase 3 of the Hidden Valley Wind

Energy Facility), Northern Cape Province

Authors : Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd

Ravisha Ajodhapersadh & Karen Jodas (April 2014)

Gideon Raath, Hermien Slabbert, Jo-Anne Thomas (July 2019)

Specialists : MENCO (M2 Environmental Connections cc)

The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and Arcus Consulting

David Hoare Consulting cc and 3 Foxes Biodiversity Solutions

Albany Museum and CTS Heritage

MetroGIS and and LOGIS

Enviro Acoustic Research

Tony Barbour Consulting

Terra Soil Science

Lloyd Rossouw

Animalia cc

Client : Great Karoo Wind Farm (Pty) Ltd

Report Status : Revision 1 EMPr submitted as part of the Part II amendment

for the Great Karoo WEF, July 2019

Revision : 1

When used as a reference this report should be cited as: Savannah Environmental (2019) Environmental

Management Programme: Revision 1 - Proposed Great Karoo Wind Farm, Northern Cape Province

COPYRIGHT RESERVED

This technical report has been produced by Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd for Great Karoo Wind Farm (Pty) Ltd.

No part of the report may be copied, reproduced or used in any manner without written permission from Great Karoo

Wind Farm (Pty) Ltd or Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd.




Definitions & Terminology Page ii

DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY

Alternatives: Alternatives are different means of meeting the general purpose and need of a proposed

activity. Alternatives may include location or site alternatives, activity alternatives, process or technology

alternatives, temporal alternatives or the ‘do nothing’ alternative.

Ambient sound level: means the background noise level already present in the environment (in the

absence of noise generated by any other proposed development)

Commence: The start of any physical activity, including site preparation and any other activity on site

furtherance of a listed activity or specified activity, but does not include any activity required for the

purposes of an investigation or feasibility study as long as such investigation or feasibility study does not

constitute a listed activity or specified activity.

Commercial Operation date: The date after which all testing and commissioning has been completed and

is the initiation date to which the seller can start producing electricity for sale (i.e. when the project has

been substantially completed).

Commissioning: Commissioning commences once construction is completed. Commissioning covers all

activities including testing after all components of the power station are installed.

Construction: Construction means the building, erection or establishment of a facility, structure or

infrastructure that is necessary for the undertaking of a listed or specified activity. Construction begins with

any activity which requires Environmental Authorisation.

Cumulative impacts: Impacts that result from the incremental impact of the proposed activity on a

common resource when added to the impacts of other past, present or reasonably foreseeable future

activities (e.g. discharges of nutrients and heated water to a river that combine to cause algal bloom and

subsequent loss of dissolved oxygen that is greater than the additive impacts of each pollutant).

Cumulative impacts can occur from the collective impacts of individual minor actions over a period of

time and can include both direct and indirect impacts.

Cut-in speed: The minimum wind speed at which the wind turbine will generate usable power.

Cut-out speed: The wind speed at which shut down occurs.

Decommissioning: To take out of active service permanently or dismantle partly or wholly, or closure of a

facility to the extent that it cannot be readily re-commissioned. This usually occurs at the end of the life of

a facility.

Direct impacts: Impacts that are caused directly by the activity and generally occur at the same time and

at the place of the activity (e.g. noise generated by blasting operations on the site of the activity). These

impacts are usually associated with the construction, operation or maintenance of an activity and are

generally obvious and quantifiable.




Definitions & Terminology Page iii

Disturbing noise: A noise level that exceeds the ambient sound level measured continuously at the same

measuring point by 7 dB or more. A disturbing noise would be a noise that increase the rating level with

more than 7 dBA. Therefore, for this area the rating level is 35 dBA, and if the operation of the wind energy

facility results in a noise level higher than 42 dBA, and that change can be attributed to the wind energy

facility that would be a disturbing noise.

‘Do nothing’ alternative: The ‘do nothing’ alternative is the option of not undertaking the proposed activity

or any of its alternatives. The ‘do nothing’ alternative also provides the baseline against which the impacts

of other alternatives should be compared.

Endangered species: Taxa in danger of extinction and whose survival is unlikely if the causal factors

continue operating. Included here are taxa whose numbers of individuals have been reduced to a critical

level or whose habitats have been so drastically reduced that they are deemed to be in immediate

danger of extinction.

Endemic: An "endemic" is a species that grows in a particular area (is endemic to that region) and has a

restricted distribution. It is only found in a particular place. Whether something is endemic or not depends

on the geographical boundaries of the area in question and the area can be defined at different scales.

Environment: the surroundings within which humans exist and that are made up of:

i. the land, water and atmosphere of the earth;

ii. micro-organisms, plant and animal life;

iii. any part or combination of (i) and (ii) and the interrelationships among and between them;

and

iv. the physical, chemical, aesthetic and cultural properties and conditions of the foregoing that

influence human health and well-being.

Environmental assessment practitioner: An individual responsible for the planning, management and

coordinating of environmental management plan or any other appropriate environmental instruments

introduced by legislation.

Environmental Impact: An action or series of actions that have an effect on the environment.

Environmental impact assessment: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), as defined in the NEMA EIA

Regulations and in relation to an application to which scoping must be applied, means the process of

collecting, organising, analysing, interpreting and communicating information that is relevant to the

consideration of that application.

Environmental management: Ensuring that environmental concerns are included in all stages of

development, so that development is sustainable and does not exceed the carrying capacity of the

environment.

Environmental Management Programme: An operational plan that organises and co-ordinates mitigation,

rehabilitation and monitoring measures in order to guide the implementation of a proposal and its on-

going maintenance after implementation.

Generator: The generator is what converts the turning motion of a wind turbine's blades into electricity




Definitions & Terminology Page iv

Hazardous waste: Any waste that contains organic or inorganic elements or compounds that may, owing

to the inherent physical, chemical or toxicological characteristics of that waste, have a detrimental

impact on health and the environment (Van der Linde and Feris, 2010; pg 185).

Heritage: That which is inherited and forms part of the National Estate (Historical places, objects, fossils as

defined by the National Heritage Resources Act of 2000

Indigenous: All biological organisms that occurred naturally within the study area prior to 1800

Indirect impacts: Indirect or induced changes that may occur as a result of the activity (e.g. the reduction

of water in a stream that supply water to a reservoir that supply water to the activity). These types of

impacts include all the potential impacts that do not manifest immediately when the activity is undertaken

or which occur at a different place as a result of the activity.

Interested and Affected Party: Individuals or groups concerned with or affected by an activity and its

consequences. These include the authorities, local communities, investors, work force, consumers,

environmental interest groups and the general public.

Method statement: method statement is a written submission to the ECO and the Owner’s Representative

by the EPC Contractor in collaboration with his/her EO.

Nacelle: The nacelle contains the generator, control equipment, gearbox and anemometer for monitoring

the wind speed and direction.

Natural properties of an ecosystem (sensu Convention on Wetlands): Defined in Handbook 1 as the

"…physical, biological or chemical components, such as soil, water, plants, animals and nutrients, and the

interactions between them". (Ramsar Convention Secretariat. 2004. Ramsar handbooks for the wise use of

wetlands. 2nd Edition. Handbook 1. Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Gland, Switzerland.) (see

http://www.ramsar.org/).

Perennial and non-perennial: Perennial systems contain flow or standing water for all or a large proportion

of any given year, while non-perennial systems are episodic or ephemeral and thus contains flows for short

periods, such as a few hours or days in the case of drainage lines.

Pollution: A change in the environment caused by substances (radio-active or other waves, noise, odours,

dust or heat emitted from any activity, including the storage or treatment or waste or substances.

Pre-construction: The period prior to the commencement of construction, which may include activities

(e.g. geotechnical surveys) which do not require Environmental Authorisation.

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands: "The Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) is an

intergovernmental treaty whose mission is "the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local,

regional and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving

sustainable development throughout the world". As of March 2004, 138 nations have joined the

Convention as Contracting Parties, and more than 1300 wetlands around the world, covering almost 120

million hectares, have been designated for inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International




Definitions & Terminology Page v

Importance." (Ramsar Convention Secretariat. 2004. Ramsar handbooks for the wise use of wetlands. 2nd

Edition. Handbook 1. Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Gland, Switzerland.) (refer http://www.ramsar.org/).

South Africa is a Contracting Party to the Convention.

Rare species: Taxa with small world populations that are not at present Endangered or Vulnerable, but are

at risk as some unexpected threat could easily cause a critical decline. These taxa are usually localised

within restricted geographical areas or habitats or are thinly scattered over a more extensive range. This

category was termed Critically Rare by Hall and Veldhuis (1985) to distinguish it from the more generally

used word "rare".

Red data species: Species listed in terms of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural

Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, and/or in terms of the South African Red Data list. In

terms of the South African Red Data list, species are classified as being extinct, endangered, vulnerable,

rare, indeterminate, insufficiently known or not threatened (see other definitions within this glossary).

Rotor: The portion of the wind turbine that collects energy from the wind is called the rotor. The rotor

converts the energy in the wind into rotational energy to turn the generator. The rotor has three blades

that rotate at about 15 to 28 revolutions per minute (rpm).

Significant impact: An impact that by its magnitude, duration, intensity or probability of occurrence may

have a notable effect on one or more aspects of the environment.

Tower: The tower, which supports the rotor, is constructed from tubular steel. It is approximately 80 – 120 m

tall. The nacelle and the rotor are attached to the top of the tower. The tower on which a wind turbine is

mounted is not just a support structure. It also raises the wind turbine so that its blades safely clear the

ground and so it can reach the stronger winds at higher elevations. Larger wind turbines are usually

mounted on towers ranging from 40 to 120 m tall. The tower must be strong enough to support the wind

turbine and to sustain vibration, wind loading and the overall weather elements for the lifetime of the wind

turbine.

Waste:

(a) any substance, material or object, that is unwanted, rejected, abandoned, discarded or

disposed of, or that is intended or required to be discarded or disposed of, by the holder of that

substance, material or object, whether or not such substance, material or object can be re-used,

recycled or recovered and includes all wastes as defined in Schedule 3 to this Act; or

(b) any other substance, material or object that is not included in Schedule 3 that may be defined

as a waste by the Minister by notice in the Gazette,

but any waste or portion of waste, referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b), ceases to be a waste—

(i) once an application for its re-use, recycling or recovery has been approved or, after such

approval, once it is, or has been re-used, recycled or recovered;

(ii) where approval is not required, once a waste is, or has been re-used, recycled or recovered;

(iii) where the Minister has, in terms of section 74, exempted any waste or a portion of waste

generated by a particular process from the definition of waste; or (iv) where the Minister has, in the

prescribed manner, excluded any waste stream or a portion of a waste stream from the definition

of waste.




Definitions & Terminology Page vi

Watercourse: as per the National Water Act means -

(a) a river or spring;

(b) a natural channel in which water flows regularly or intermittently;

(c) a wetland, lake or dam into which, or from which, water flows; and

(d) any collection of water which the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, declare to be a watercourse,

and a reference to a watercourse includes, where relevant, its bed and banks

Wetland: Wetlands are defined in the National Water Act as ‘land which is transitional between terrestrial

and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface, or the land is periodically

covered with shallow water, and which land in normal circumstances supports or would support

vegetation typically adapted to life in saturated soil.

» Intermittent or seasonal wetlands: are vleis or larger drainage lines where water tends to accumulate

during the rainy season, and may persist for a week or longer, usually several months. In this case there

is enough seasonal moisture accumulation to ensure that surface soils remain waterlogged for a longer

period, hence also supporting specially adapted flora that will grow in (seasonally) saturated soils.

» Perennial1 wetlands: are all dams, rivers and other water bodies that carry water permanently, and will

only have severely reduced flows or water during periods of prolonged severe droughts.

Wind power: A measure of the energy available in the wind.

Wind speed: The rate at which air flows past a point above the earth's surface.

1 Perennial: from Latin per, "through", annus, "year", lasting or active through the year or through many years, indefinitely.




Table of Contents Page vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

CHAPTER 1: PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES OF THE EMPR .................................................................................................. 1

CHAPTER 2: PROJECT DETAILS .................................................................................................................................... 4

2.1 Activities and Components associated with the Wind Energy Facility .................................. 7

2.2 Findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment .......................................................... 13

2.2 Findings of the EA Amendment process ....................................................................... 14

2.2 Applicable Legislation .............................................................................................. 18

CHAPTER 3: STRUCTURE OF THIS EMPr ...................................................................................................................... 35

3.1. Project Team .......................................................................................................... 36

CHAPTER 4: MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE WIND ENERGY FACILITY: PLANNING & DESIGN ................ 37

4.1. Planning and Design ................................................................................................ 37

OBJECTIVE 1 : To ensure that the design of the facility responds to the identified environmental

constraints and opportunities ............................................................................................. 37

CHAPTER 5: MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE WIND ENERGY FACILITY: CONSTRUCTION ........................ 41

5.1. Overall Goal for Construction ..................................................................................... 41

5.2. Institutional Arrangements: Roles and Responsibilities for the Construction Phase of the Wind

Energy Facility .................................................................................................................... 41

5.3. Objectives for the Construction EMPr ........................................................................... 43

OBJECTIVE 2 : Securing the site and site establishment ............................................................ 43

OBJECTIVE 3 : Maximise local employment and business opportunities associated with the construction

phase ............................................................................................................................ 44

OBJECTIVE 4 : Avoid the negative social impacts on family structures and social networks due to the

presence of construction workers ........................................................................................ 45

OBJECTIVE 5 : Noise control ................................................................................................ 47

OBJECTIVE 6 : Management of dust and emissions and damage to roads .................................. 48

OBJECTIVE 7 : Soil and rock degradation and erosion control ................................................... 49

OBJECTIVE 8 : Limit disturbance and avoid damage to wetland areas and drainage lines ............. 51

OBJECTIVE 9 : Protection of indigenous vegetation and control of alien invasive plants ................. 52

OBJECTIVE 10 : Protection of fauna & avifauna ...................................................................... 54

OBJECTIVE 11 : Protection of fossils and sites of heritage and archaeological value ...................... 55

OBJECTIVE 12 : Minimisation of visual impacts associated with construction ................................. 57

OBJECTIVE 13 : Appropriate handling and storage of chemicals, hazardous substances and waste . 58

OBJECTIVE 14 : Ensure disciplined conduct of on-site contractors and workers ............................. 61

OBJECTIVE 15 : To avoid and or minimise the potential risk of increased veld fires during the

construction phase. .......................................................................................................... 62

OBJECTIVE 16 : Traffic management and transportation of equipment and materials to site (Traffic

Management Plan) .......................................................................................................... 63

OBJECTIVE 17 : Effective management of concrete batching plants .......................................... 64

5.4. Detailing Method Statements ..................................................................................... 67

OBJECTIVE 18 : Ensure all construction activities are undertaken with the appropriate level of

environmental awareness to minimise environmental risk ......................................................... 67

5.5. Awareness and Competence: Construction Phase of the Wind Energy Facility .................... 69




Table of Contents Page vii

OBJECTIVE 19 : To ensure all construction personnel have the appropriate level of environmental

awareness and competence to ensure continued environmental due diligence and on-going

minimisation of environmental harm .................................................................................... 69

5.6. Monitoring Programme: Construction Phase of the Wind Energy Facility ............................. 70

OBJECTIVE 20 : To monitor the performance of the control strategies employed against environmental

objectives and standards .................................................................................................. 70

CHAPTER 6: MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE WIND ENERGY FACILITY: REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED

AREAS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 71

6.1. Overall Goal for the Rehabilitation of Disturbed Areas ..................................................... 71

OBJECTIVE 21 : To ensure rehabilitation of disturbed areas ....................................................... 71

CHAPTER 7: MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE WIND ENERGY FACILITY: OPERATION ................................ 73

7.1. Overall Goal for Operation ........................................................................................ 73

7.2. Objectives ............................................................................................................. 74

OBJECTIVE 22 : Securing the site .......................................................................................... 74

OBJECTIVE 23 : Protection of indigenous natural vegetation, fauna and maintenance of rehabilitation

.................................................................................................................................... 74

OBJECTIVE 24 : Protection of avifauna and priority bird species ................................................. 75

OBJECTIVE 25 : Protection of Bats ........................................................................................ 76

OBJECTIVE 26 : Minimisation of visual impact – lighting ............................................................ 78

OBJECTIVE 27 : Minimisation of noise impacts from turbines ...................................................... 79

OBJECTIVE 28 : Appropriate handling and management of hazardous substances and waste ........ 80

OBJECTIVE 29 : Maximise local employment and business opportunities during operation .............. 82

OBJECTIVE 30 : Ensure the implementation of an appropriate fire management plan during the

operation phase .............................................................................................................. 82

OBJECTIVE 31 : Minimise the potential negative impact on farming activities and on the surrounding

landowners..................................................................................................................... 83

CHAPTER 8: MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE WIND ENERGY FACILITY: DECOMMISSIONING ............................... 85

8.1. Site Preparation ....................................................................................................... 85

8.2 Disassemble Turbines ................................................................................................ 85

OBJECTIVE 32 OBJECTIVE: To avoid and or minimise the potential environmental and social impacts

associated with the decommissioning phase......................................................................... 85

CHAPTER 9: FINALISATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME .......................................... 88

Appendices:

Appendix A: Erosion Management Plan

Appendix B: Alien Invasive Plant Management Plan

Appendix C: Plant Rescue and Re-Vegetation Management Plan

Appendix D: Proposed bird monitoring programme for the operational phase

Appendix E: Proposed bat monitoring programme for the operational phase




Purpose & Objectives of the EMPr Page 1

CHAPTER 1: PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES OF THE EMPR

An Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) is defined as “an environmental management tool

used to ensure that undue or reasonably avoidable adverse impacts of the construction, operation and

decommissioning of a project are prevented or mitigated, and that the positive benefits of the projects

are enhanced”2. The objective of this Environmental Management Programme is to provide consistent

information and guidance for implementing the management and monitoring measures established in the

permitting process and help achieve environmental policy goals. The purpose of an EMPr is to help ensure

compliance with recommendations and conditions specified through an EIA process, as well as to ensure

continuous improvement of environmental performance, reducing negative impacts and enhancing

positive effects during the construction and operation of the facility. An effective EMPr is concerned with

both the immediate outcome as well as the long-term impacts of the project.

The EMPr provides specific environmental guidance for the construction and operation phases of a

project, and is intended to manage and mitigate construction and operation activities so that

unnecessary or preventable environmental impacts do not result. These impacts range from those

incurred during start up (site clearing and site establishment) through those incurred during the

construction activities themselves (erosion, noise, dust) to those incurred during site rehabilitation (soil

stabilisation, re-vegetation) and operation. The EMPr also defines monitoring requirements in order to

ensure that the specified objectives are met.

The EMPr has been developed as a set of environmental specifications (i.e. principles of environmental

management for the proposed wind energy facility), which are appropriately contextualised to provide

clear guidance in terms of the on-site implementation of these specifications (i.e. on-site contextualisation

is provided through the inclusion of various monitoring and implementation for use of the EMPr by the

project implementer as well as compliance monitors).

The EMPr has the following objectives:

» To outline mitigation measures and environmental specifications which are required to be

implemented for the planning, construction, rehabilitation and operation phases of the project in order

to minimise the extent of environmental impacts, and to manage environmental impacts associated

with the wind energy facility.

» To ensure that the construction and operation phases do not result in undue or reasonably avoidable

adverse environmental impacts, and ensure that any potential environmental benefits are enhanced.

» To identify entities who will be responsible for the implementation of the measures and outline functions

and responsibilities.

» To propose mechanisms for monitoring compliance, and preventing long-term or permanent

environmental degradation.

» To facilitate appropriate and proactive responses to unforeseen events or changes in project

implementation that was not considered in the EIA process.

2 Provincial Government Western Cape, Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning: Guideline for

Environmental Management Plans, 2005.





The mitigation measures identified within the Environmental Impact Assessment process are systematically

addressed in the EMPr, ensuring the minimisation of adverse environmental impacts to an acceptable

level.

Great Karoo Wind Farm (Pty) Ltd must ensure that the implementation of the project complies with the

requirements of any and all environmental authorisations and permits (once issued), as well as with

obligations emanating from all relevant environmental legislation. This obligation is partly met through the

development of the EMPr, and the implementation of the EMPr through its integration into the contract

documentation for activities associated with both construction and operation. Since this EMPr is part of

the EIA process undertaken for the proposed wind energy facility, it is important that this guideline

document be read in conjunction with the Final Scoping Report (December 2011) and Amended Final EIA

Report (April 2014). This will contextualise the EMPr and enable a thorough understanding of its role and

purpose in the integrated environmental process. This EMP for construction and operation activities has

been compiled in accordance with Section 33 of the EIA Regulations of June 2010 and will be further

developed in terms of specific requirements listed in any authorisations issued for the proposed project.

This EMPr should be considered a dynamic document, requiring regular review and updating as new

information becomes available in order for it to remain relevant to the requirements of the site and the

environment.

To achieve effective environmental management, it is important that Contractors are aware of their

responsibilities in terms of the relevant environmental legislation and the contents of this EMPr. The

Contractor is responsible for informing employees and sub-contractors of their environmental obligations in

terms of the environmental specifications, and for ensuring that employees are adequately experienced

and properly trained in order to execute the works in a manner that will minimise environmental impacts.

The Contractors obligations in this regard include the following:

» Ensuring that employees have a basic understanding of the key environmental features of the

construction site and the surrounding environment.

» Ensuring that a copy of the EMPr is readily available on-site, and that all site staff are aware of the

location and have access to the document. Employees must be familiar with the requirements of the

EMPr and the environmental specifications as they apply to the construction of the facility.

» Ensuring that, prior to commencing any site works, all employees and sub-contractors have attended

an appropriate Environmental Awareness Training course. The course must provide the site staff with

an appreciation of the project's environmental requirements, the EMPr specifications, and how they

are to be implemented.

» Basic training in the identification of archaeological sites/objects, and protected or Red List flora and

fauna that may be encountered on the site.

» Awareness of any other environmental matters, which are deemed to be necessary by the

Environmental Control Officer (ECO).

The EMPr is a dynamic document, which must be updated when required. It is considered critical that this

draft EMPr be updated to include site-specific information and specifications as required throughout the

life-cycle of the facility. This will ensure that the project activities are planned and implemented taking

sensitive environmental features into account.

The Great Karoo Wind Farm (Pty) Ltd received an Environmental Authorisation (EA) for the construction of

Great Karoo Wind Energy Facility (WEF) on the 12th of August 2014 (as subsequently amended on 25 July





2016 and 5 May 2017). In terms of this EA, the EMPr for the project is amendable (Condition 16), and must

be implemented and strictly enforced. This EMPr forms part of an EA amendment application for the

project and includes additional mitigation measures as required by the specialist team (2019).

This amendment entails an updated turbine model for the project and is proposing the following:

1. A reduction in the number of wind turbines from the authorised 52, to up to 42;

2. An increase to the rotor diameter for each wind turbine from the authorised diameter of up to 140m, to

up to 180m;

3. An increase in hub height from up to 120m, to a range of up to 150m;

4. Turbine capacity from 3,6 MW, to up to 6,5 MW per turbine;

5. Update the layout as required based on the revised turbine numbers and turbine specifications;

6. Extend the validity period by an additional 5 years.

7. Amendment of Condition 13.2 of the EA:

from:

“A 150m and 100m buffer respectively between watercourses; ridge edge and the

turbine/construction activities”

To:

“Turbine and infrastructure positions as approved by an avifaunal specialist”

8. Amendment of Condition 49 of the EA

from:

Condition 49, from:

“A 150m between watercourses and 100m buffer between the ridge edge and the

turbine/construction activities must be implemented.”

To:

“The layout must be approved by the avifaunal specialist.”

As required in terms of Regulation 32(1)(a)(iii), consideration was given to the requirement for additional

measures to ensure avoidance, management and mitigation of impacts associated with the proposed

change in the project details. From the specialist inputs provided into the amendment motivation,

additional mitigation measures have been recommended. These additional mitigation measures have

been shown in underlined text in this EMPr, to illustrate which measures are novel inclusions and relate to

the 2019 amendment only.




Project Details Page 4

CHAPTER 2: PROJECT DETAILS

Great Karoo Wind Farm (Pty) Ltd (herein referred to as the Project Company) is proposing to establish a

commercial wind energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site located within the Karoo Hoogland

Local Municipality (approximately 30 km south of Sutherland in the Northern Cape Province). This project is

referred to as the Hidden Valley wind energy facility, which comprises of three development phases. This

EMPr deals with the Great Karoo Wind Farm (Phase 3 of the Hidden Valley project). The facility will be

powered by wind. No other fuels will be used as a generating fuel during the operational phase of the

project. A layout of the wind turbines and grid connection options are shown on Figure 1.

The Great Karoo Wind Farm is proposed on the following farm portions (which collectively occupies land of

91.8 km2 in extent):

» Farm Kentucky 206

» Portion 1 of Farm Wolvenkop 207

The primary components of the Great Karoo Wind Farm as per the current EA include the following:

» Up to 573 wind turbines, appropriately spaced to make use of the wind resource on the site. The facility

is proposed to have a generating capacity of up to 150 MW, used depending on the final turbine

selected for implementation but will be limited to 140MW at the point of connection with the Eskom

grid. The facility would be operated as a single facility with each turbine being between 2 MW and 3.5

MW in capacity.

» Each wind turbine is expected to consist of a concrete foundation (20m x 20m), a steel or concrete

tower, a hub (between 80m and 120m above ground level, depending on the turbine size decided

upon) and three blades with a rotor diameter of up to 120m.

» Cabling between the components, laid approximately 1 m underground where underground cabling

feasible. In as far as possible, cabling will follow the internal access roads.

» Internal roads (approximately 8 m in width) linking the wind turbines and other infrastructure on the site.

Existing farm roads will be used as far as possible. However, the dispersed distribution pattern of wind

turbines and the vast areas of the site which are not currently accessible will necessitate the

construction of ~30 km of new access roads in some areas.

» A new 132 kV substation is proposed within this phase. The electricity from the 132 kV substation will be

transmitted via a 132 kV power line to the 400 kV substation (located on the Phase 1 site) for

connection to the Eskom grid. Two alternative substation locations and power lines are proposed.

» This proposed substation will have a high-voltage (HV) yard footprint of approximately 200m x 200 m.

» Operations and service building area for control, maintenance and storage (approximately 2000m2).

» Guard house for access security of 50m2.

3 Initially 77 wind turbines were proposed but this has been reduced to 57 in response to assessments and specialist

recommendations





Figure 1: Layout for the Great Karoo Wind Farm (Phase 3 of the Hidden Valley project), as assessed within the EIA in 2014





Figure 2: Updated Great Karoo Wind farm layout





2.1 Activities and Components associated with the Wind Energy Facility

The main activities/components associated with the Great Karoo Wind Energy Facility comprise the following:

Main Activity/Project Component Components of Activity Details

Planning

Conduct surveys

» Geotechnical survey by geotechnical

engineer

» Site survey and confirmation of the

turbine micro-siting footprints

» Survey of on-site substation (1) and

chosen power line route

» Survey of internal access routes and

water crossings

» Environmental walk-through surveys

» Surveys to be undertaken prior to initiating construction.

Construction

Establishment of access roads to the site » Upgrade access/haul roads to the site

» Establish internal access roads: 8 m

wide permanent roadway within the

site between the turbines for use during

construction and operation phase.

» Access roads will be constructed in advance of any components

being delivered to site, and will remain in place after completion for

future access and possibly access for replacement of parts if

necessary.

» Existing access roads to the site will be utilised, and upgraded where

required. Special haul roads may need to be constructed to and

within the site to accommodate abnormally loaded vehicle access

and circulation.

» The internal service road alignment is informed by the final micro-

siting/positioning of the wind turbines (as well as by surveys undertaken

by ecological and avifaunal specialists).

Undertake site preparation

» Site establishment of offices/ workshop

with ablutions and stores, contractors

yards

» Establishment of internal access roads

(permanent and temporary roads)

» These activities will require the stripping of topsoil, which will need to

be stockpiled, backfilled and/or spread on site.






» Clearance of vegetation at the

footprint of each turbine

» Excavations for foundations

Establishment of lay down areas on site

» Lay down areas (footprint 60 m x 60m)

at each turbine position for the storage

of wind turbine components and

accommodation of construction and

crane lifting equipment.

» Construction site office

» The lay down area will need to accommodate the cranes required in

tower/turbine assembly.

» Lay down and storage areas will be required to be established for the

normal civil engineering construction equipment which will be required

on site.

» A large lay down area will be required at each position where the

main lifting crane may be required to be erected and/or

disassembled. This area would be required to be compacted and

levelled to accommodate the assembly crane, which would need to

access the main crane from all sides.

Construct wind turbine foundations » Turbine foundations will be up to 20 m x

20m. Foundation holes will be

excavated to a depth of approximately

4m-6m, depending on the underlying

geotechnical conditions on site

» Foundation holes will be mechanically excavated where possible and

blasted where required.

» Safety barriers will be erected around open excavations.

Establishment of onsite batching plants » A batching plant will be required for

construction covering approximately

50m x 50m

» Batching plant equipment will need to be installed

» A small office may be necessary

» A lay down area will need to accommodate aggregate material for

batching.

Transport of components and equipment

to site

» Ttrucks will be used to transport all

components to site:

* The normal civil engineering

construction equipment for the civil

works (e.g. excavators, trucks,

graders, compaction equipment,

cement mixers, etc.).

* The components required for the

establishment of the substation

» Turbine units consist of a tower comprised of a number of segments, a

nacelle, rotor and three blades.

» Components of various specialised construction, lifting equipment and

counter weights etc. are required on site (e.g. mobile assembly crane

and a main crane) to erect the wind turbines.

» Other components include components required for the establishment

of the substation (including transformers) and those required for the

establishment of the power line (including towers and cabling).

» The wind turbine, including tower, will be brought to site by the supplier






(including transformers)

* Components required for the

establishment of the power line

(including towers and cabling)

in sections. The individual components are defined as abnormal loads

in terms of the Road Traffic Act (Act No 29 of 1989) by virtue of the

dimensional limitations (abnormal length of the blades) and load

limitations (i.e. the nacelle). The dimensional requirements of the load

during the construction phase (length/height) may require alterations

to the existing road infrastructure (widening on corners, removal of

traffic islands), accommodation of street furniture (electricity, street

lighting, traffic signals, telephone lines etc.) and protection of road-

related structures (bridges, culverts, portal culverts, retaining walls etc.)

as a result of abnormal loading. The equipment will be transported to

the site using appropriate National and Provincial routes, and the

dedicated access/haul road to the site itself. It is estimated that 10-14

trucks will be used for the transport of each turbine.

Erect turbines

» Large lifting crane used for lifting of

large, heavy components

» A small crane for the assembly of the

rotor.

» The large lifting crane will lift the tower sections into place, assisted by

the smaller crane.

» The nacelle, which contains the gearbox, generator and yawing

mechanism, will then be placed onto the top of the assembled tower.

» The rotor (i.e. the blades of the turbine) will then be assembled or

partially assembled on the ground by the smaller crane. It will then be

lifted to the nacelle by the large crane, and bolted in place.

Alternatively the blades may be lifted into position on the nacelle

individually by the main crane.

» It will take approximately 2-5 days to erect each turbine, although this

will depend on the climatic conditions as a relatively wind-free day will

be required for the installation of the rotor.

Construct substation and ancillary

infrastructure.

» New up to 400 kV substation complex

will connect via a new power line to

Eskom Komsberg substation. The new

on-site up to 400 kV substation will be

located adjacent to the existing 400 kV

line to allow for a direct connection.

» Will require the clearing of vegetation and levelling of the

development site and the excavation of foundations prior to

construction.

» A lay down area for building materials and equipment associated with

these buildings will also be required.

» The substation will be constructed within a high-voltage (HV) yard






» Substation components

» Security fencing around high-voltage

(HV) Yard

» Workshop

» Operation and Maintenance Office

footprint of up to 40 000 m2.

» The substation would be constructed in the following simplified

sequence:

* Step 1: Survey of the site

* Step 2: Site clearing and levelling and construction of access road

to substation sites

* Step 3: Construction of terrace and foundations

* Step 4: Assembly, erection and installation of equipment

* Step 5: Connection of conductors to equipment

* Step 6: Rehabilitation of any disturbed areas and protection of

erosion sensitive areas.

Connection of wind turbines to the on-

site substation

» Wind turbines

» 33 kV electrical cabling connecting

each turbine to the substation

» The installation of these cables will require the excavation of trenches,

approximately 1m in depth within which these cables can then be

laid.

» The underground cables would follow the internal access roads as far

as reasonably possible.

» Where underground cabling is not practical or environmentally

sensible (e.g. in rocky area where blasting would be required), cabling

would be above ground, suspended between ~8m high timber poles

at ~60m centres.

Connect substation to power grid

» A new on-site substation (with a

capacity of up to 400kV) to connect

directly to the Komsberg Substation

located in the south-west corner of the

site development footprint

» Overhead 132 kV double circuit power

line to connect the substation to the

Eskom grid at the Komsberg Substation,

requiring a servitude of approximately

36 m in width.

» The route for the substations and power lines will be assessed, surveyed

and pegged prior to construction.

Commissioning of the facility » Wind energy facility commissioning » Prior to the start-up of a wind turbine, a series of checks and tests will






be carried out, including both static and dynamic tests to make sure

the turbine is working within appropriate limits.

» Grid interconnection and unit synchronisation will be undertaken to

confirm the turbine and unit performance. Physical adjustments may

be needed such as changing the pitch of the blades.

Undertake site remediation

» Remove all construction equipment

from the site

» Rehabilitation of temporarily disturbed

areas where practical and reasonable

» On full commissioning of the facility, any access points to the site

which are not required during the operation phase will be closed and

prepared for rehabilitation.

Operation

Operation » Operation of turbines within the wind

energy facility

» Once operational, the wind energy facility will be monitored remotely.

Based on information provided by the proponent, the proposed

project will employ between 12 and 17 permanent employment

opportunities as well as shorter term contract work. The operational

phase is expected to last 20 years. It is anticipated that there will be

full time security, maintenance and control room staff required on site.

» Each turbine in the facility will be operational, except under

circumstances of mechanical breakdown, extreme weather

conditions or maintenance activities.

Maintenance

» Oil and grease – turbines

» Transformer oil – substation

» Waste product disposal

» The wind turbines will be subject to periodic maintenance and

inspection. Periodic oil changes will be required and any waste

products (e.g. oil) will be disposed of in accordance with relevant

waste management legislation.

» The turbine infrastructure is expected to have a lifespan of

approximately 20 years, with maintenance.

Decommissioning

Site preparation

» Confirming the integrity of the access to

the site to accommodate required

equipment and lifting cranes.

» Preparation of the site (e.g. lay down

» Equipment associated with this facility would only be decommissioned

once it has reached the end of its economic life. This may be longer

than the 20 year envisaged life. It is most likely that decommissioning

activities of the infrastructure of the facility would comprise the






areas, construction platform)

» Mobilisation of construction equipment

disassembly and replacement of the turbines with more appropriate

technology/infrastructure available at that time.

Disassemble and remove existing turbines » A large crane will be used to

disassemble the turbine and tower

sections.

» Turbine components would be reused, recycled or disposed of in

accordance with regulatory requirements.

» The hours of operation for noisy construction activities are guided by

the Environment Conservation Act (noise control regulations). If the

project requires construction work outside of the designated hours,

regulatory authorities and affected stakeholders will be consulted and

subsequent negotiations will be made to ensure the suitability of the

revised activities (if applicable).





2.2 Findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment

In terms of the findings of the EIA Report, various potential planning, construction and operation-related

potential environmental impacts were identified, including:

» Disturbance of ecological environment;

» Potential impacts on drainage lines and other sensitive habitats, mainly from access roads;

» Potential impacts on avifauna (birds) although no turbines are in high risk areas;

» Potential impacts on bats although no turbines are in high risk areas;

» Potential disturbance to sense of place, visual aesthetics;

» Noise during construction;

» Socio-economic impacts;

» Potential soil erosion and degradation; and

» Potential impacts on heritage and/ fossil resources (if disturbed).

From the specialist investigations undertaken for the proposed wind energy facility development site, a

number of potentially sensitive areas were identified (refer to Figure 3):

» Vegetation of conservation importance: this is based primarily on the location of the site within the

Hantam-Roggeveld Centre of Endemism and the Fynbos Biome and which falls within the Namakwa

District Biodiversity Sector Plan (NDBSP), Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) T2 (for this site - important

terrestrial habitats that are south-facing slopes larger than 25 ha in size, kloofs and habitat for riverine

rabbit, therefore with high biodiversity) (medium sensitivity). Areas classified as mountains, ridges or

steep slopes: some of the steeper scarp slopes of the study area are steep enough to be sensitive to

erosion and downslope impacts from disturbance and have been identified as important biodiversity

habitats (essential T2 areas from the NDBSP) (high sensitivity).

» Potential areas for the occurrence of populations of Red List fauna and flora that have been

evaluated as having a probability of occurring in natural habitats within the study area.

» Perennial and non-perennial rivers, streams and watercourses. These support the ecosystems in the

areas and may provide habitat for priority avifauna species.

» Noise sensitive receptors (farmsteads on / around the site, albeit limited).

» Heritage artefacts (graves, stone walls and old buildings/ruins present on the site). (Note that no

infrastructure is proposed on the identified heritage sites).

» Areas of high bat sensitivity also include rivers, farm dams and slopes. No turbines occur in the areas of

high bat sensitivity.

» Areas of high avifaunal sensitivity have been identified and no turbines are in high risk areas.

In response to the identified need to adequately manage impacts within sensitive areas identified on the

site development footprint, and in order to demonstrate the ability of the project to adhere to

recommended mitigation measures, the project developer has developed a mitigation strategy with

regards to the facility layout.

The EIA recommendations have been taken into account by the project developer, and the wind turbine

layout has been refined to avoid the areas identified as being of high sensitivity. This refinement of the

layout has resulted in the removal of turbines from the layout completely and the repositioning of turbines

outside of identified sensitive areas. This layout considering the required mitigation measures is included in





Figure 12.2, and represents the optimal layout for the facility. This refined layout shows a change in wind

turbines from 77 to 57.

The table below summarises which wind turbines have been moved out of sensitive areas, and which

turbines have been removed from the layout.

Turbine Number - EIA-assessed layout for Phase

3

Reason for repositioning of turbine

75, 76, 149, 154, Avifaunal risk – 4 wind turbines placed within a high risk area.

Action: 4 turbines removed from the layout

125 Bat risk – One wind turbine occurred in a moderate bat sensitivity

buffer area (movement not required but developer adhering to

best practice)

Action – one wind turbine was removed from the layout

151, 154, 157, 162 Bat risk – 4 wind turbines placed immediately outside of moderate

bat sensitivity buffer (movement not required but developer

adhering to best practice)

Action: four wind turbines removed from the layout

The refined layout now has a reduced number of wind turbines for the Great Karoo Wind Farm site. The

turbines have been reduced from 77 to 57. (i.e. 20 less turbines are proposed for construction within the

Great Karoo Wind Farm).

2.2 Findings of the EA Amendment process

It is proposed that this number of turbines be further reduced to up to 42 turbines through the EA

amendment process. Based on the specialist findings, it is concluded that the proposed amendments to

the turbine specifications, wind farm layout and Conditions of the EA are not expected to result in an

increase to the significance ratings for the identified potential impacts. In some cases (avifauna and bats),

the quantitative value has changed in terms of the magnitude of impacts, but this has not resulted in a

change to the qualitative category (i.e. Low, Medium. High) of the significance rating after mitigation

measures. There is a reduction in significance in some impacts as a result of the reduced number of

turbines and the location of these outside of identified high sensitivity areas.

In addition, the amended wind turbine positions considered avoids all identified avifaunal exclusion zones

and areas of high sensitivity (refer to Figure 4). One turbine, turbine 39, remains in the avifaunal exclusion

zone. The avifaunal specialist concluded that this is unlikely to result in a significant increase in the overall

collision impact rating of the site and that the location of this turbine is acceptable. It was recommended

that fieldwork be done in the eagle breeding season to determine the activity status and species utilising

the three nests recorded on site. These results must inform possible additional mitigation measures and the

final micro-siting of the layout, which will be submitted to the DEA for approval in terms of the requirements

of Condition 13 of the EA dated August 2014. Operational phase bird monitoring programme was also

recommended by the avifaunal specialist (in line with the guidelines applicable at the start of the

operational phase).





The bats specialist report concluded that the amendments to the turbine dimensions proposed at the

Great Karoo Wind Farm would slightly increase mortality impacts to bats, but that the overall impact

significance would remain unchanged. Based on bat activity levels as assessed from pre-construction

monitoring data, impacts to bats are likely to be of a medium significance before mitigation and low after

mitigation. Is was recommended that ground clearance be maximised and the tip height (i.e. the distance

between the ground and the blade tip at its height point) be minimised as far as possible in the final

turbine selection. Cumulative impacts on bats after mitigation would also increase due to the increased

number of third-party projects now proposed within 50km of the site. Cumulative impacts are likely to be of

a high significance before mitigation and medium after mitigation.

In terms of aspects relating to heritage, visual and noise, the proposed changes to the EA and site layout

plan will not increase the significance of impacts originally identified in the EIA report or lead to any

additional impacts.





Figure 3: Environmental Sensitivity map for the project study area illustrating sensitive areas in relation to the Great Karoo Wind Farm (as taken from the

EIA report)





Figure 4: Updated wind farm layout with specialist environmental sensitivities





2.2 Applicable Legislation

The following legislation and guidelines have informed the scope and content of this EMPr:

» National Environmental Management Act (Act No 107 of 1998);

» EIA Regulations, published under Chapter 5 of the NEMA (GN R543, GN R544 and GN R546 in

Government Gazette 33306 of 18 June 2010)

» Guidelines published in terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations, in particular:

∗ Guideline 3: General Guide to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2006 (DEAT, June

2006)

∗ Guideline 4: Public Participation in support of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations,

2006 (DEAT, May 2006);

∗ Guideline 5: Assessment of alternatives and impacts in support of the Environmental Impact

Assessment Regulations, 2006 (DEAT, June 2006);

∗ Public Participation in the EIA Process (DEA, 2010);

∗ Integrated Environmental Management Information Series (published by DEA); and

» International guidelines – the Equator Principles and the International Finance Corporation and World

Bank Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Wind Energy (2007).

Several other Acts, standards, or guidelines have also informed the project process and the scope of issues

addressed and assessed in the EIA Report. A review of legislative requirements applicable to the proposed

project is provided in the table in Table 2.1.

OF THE HIDDEN VALLEY WIND ENERGY FACILITY)

July 2019

Relevant legislative permitting requirements applicable to the Wind Energy Facility Project EIA

Applicable Requirements Relevant Authority Compliance requirements

EIA Regulations have been promulgated in

pter 5. Activities which may not

commence without an environmental

orisation are identified within these

of Section 24(1) of NEMA, the

potential impact on the environment

associated with these listed activities must be

ed, investigated, assessed and

reported on to the competent authority (the

maker) charged by NEMA with

granting of the relevant environmental

In terms of GNR 387 of 21 April 2006, a scoping

and EIA process is required to be undertaken

for the proposed project

» National Department of

Environmental Affairs

» Department of

Environmental and Nature

Conservation (DENC) –

commenting authority

An EIA report was submitted to the DEA and Provincial

Environmental Department in support of the application

for authorisation. An EA was issued for the project.

the Duty of Care provision in S28(1)

the project proponent must ensure that

reasonable measures are taken throughout

fe cycle of this project to ensure that any

or degradation of the environment

d with this project is avoided,

opped or minimised.

Department of Environmental

Affairs (as regulator of NEMA).

While no permitting or licensing requirements arise directly

by virtue of the proposed project, this section will find

application during the EIA phase and will continue to

apply throughout the life cycle of the project.





Legislation / Policy /

Guideline


cumulative effect of a variety of impacts.

National Environmental

Management: Waste Act

(Act No 59 of 2008)

The Minister may by notice in the Gazette

publish a list of waste management activities

that have, or are likely to have, a detrimental

effect on the environment.

The Minister may amend the list by –

» Adding other waste management

activities to the list.

» Removing waste management activities

from the list.

» Making other changes to the particulars

on the list.

In terms of the Regulations published in terms

of this Act (GN 912), a Basic Assessment or

Environmental Impact Assessment is required

to be undertaken for identified listed activities.

Any person who stores waste must at least

take steps, unless otherwise provided by this

Act, to ensure that:

» The containers in which any waste is

stored, are intact and not corroded or in

» any other way rendered unlit for the safe

storage of waste.

» Adequate measures are taken to prevent

accidental spillage or leaking.

» The waste cannot be blown away.

» Nuisances such as odour, visual impacts

National Department of Water

and Environmental Affairs

(hazardous waste)

Provincial Department of

Environmental Affairs (general

waste)

A waste license is required for the ash dump associated

with the power station.

General waste handling, storage and disposal during

construction and operation is required to be undertaken in

accordance with the requirements of the Act, as detailed

in this EMPr. The DWAF (1998) Waste Management Series.

Minimum Requirements for the Handling, Classification and

Disposal of Hazardous Waste will also need to be

considered.






Guideline


and breeding of vectors do not arise; and

» Pollution of the environment and harm to

health are prevented.

Environment Conservation

Act (Act No 73 of 1989)

In terms of section 25 of the ECA, the national

noise-control regulations (GN R154 in

Government Gazette No. 13717 dated 10

January 1992) were promulgated. The NCRs

were revised under Government Notice

Number R. 55 of 14 January 1994 to make it

obligatory for all authorities to apply the

regulations.

Subsequently, in terms of Schedule 5 of the

Constitution of South Africa of 1996, legislative

responsibility for administering the noise

control regulations was devolved to provincial

and local authorities. Provincial Noise Control

Regulations exist in the Free State, Western

Cape and Gauteng provinces, but the

Northern Cape province have not yet

adopted provincial regulations in this regard.

Allows the Minister of Environmental Affairs to

make regulations regarding noise, among

other concerns

National Department of


Provincial Environmental

Department - commenting

authority.

Local authorities

Local Municipality

There is no requirement for a noise permit in terms of the

legislation. A Noise Impact Assessment is required to be

undertaken in accordance with SANS 10328 – this has

been undertaken as part of the EIA process (refer to

Appendix K of the EIA report). There are noise level limits

which must be adhered to.

National Water Act (Act No

36 of 1998)

Water uses must be licensed unless such water

use falls into one of the categories listed in S22

of the Act or falls under general authorisation

in terms of S39 and GN 1191 of GG 20526

October 1999.

In terms of Section 19, the project proponent

must ensure that reasonable measures are

Department of Water Affairs A water use permits or licenses are required to be applied

for or obtained, if infrastructure such as access roads cross

drainage lines.






Guideline


taken throughout the life cycle of this project

to prevent and remedy the effects of pollution

to water resources from occurring, continuing

or recurring.

National Water Act (Act No

36 of 1998)

In terms of Section 19, the project proponent

must ensure that reasonable measures are

taken throughout the life cycle of this project

to prevent and remedy the effects of pollution

to water resources from occurring, continuing

or recurring.

Department of Water Affairs (as

regulator of NWA)

While no permitting or licensing requirements arise directly

by virtue of the proposed project, this section will find

application during the EIA phase and will continue to

apply throughout the life cycle of the project.

Minerals and Petroleum

Resources Development


A mining permit or mining right may be

required where a mineral in question is to be

mined (e.g. materials from a borrow pit) in

accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Requirements for Environmental Management

Programmes and Environmental Management

Plans are set out in Section 39 of the Act.

Department of Mineral

Resources

If borrow pits are required for the construction of the

facility, a mining permit or right is required to be obtained.


Management: Air Quality


Sections 18, 19 and 20 of the Act allow certain

areas to be declared and managed as

“priority areas” in terms of air quality.

Declaration of controlled emitters (Part 3 of

Act) and controlled fuels (Part 4 of Act) with

relevant emission standards.

Section 34 makes provision for:

(1) the Minister to prescribe essential

national noise standards -

(a) for the control of noise, either in

general or by specified

machinery or activities or in


Environmental Affairs – air quality

Local Municipality - Noise

No permitting or licensing requirements applicable for air

quality aspects.

The section of the Act regarding noise control is in force,

but no standards have yet been promulgated. Draft

regulations have however, been promulgated for

adoption by Local Authorities.

An atmospheric emission licence issued in terms of section

22 may contain conditions in respect of noise. This will

however, not be relevant to the facility, as no atmospheric

emissions will take place.

The Act provides that an air quality officer may require any






Guideline


specified places or areas; or

(b) for determining –

(i) a definition of noise

(ii) the maximum levels of noise

(2) When controlling noise the provincial

and local spheres of government are

bound by any prescribed national

standards.

» The Draft National Dust Control

Regulations prescribe measures for the

control of dust in all areas including

residential and light commercial areas.

person to submit an atmospheric impact report if there is

reasonable suspicion that the person has failed to comply

with the Act.

National Heritage

Resources Act (Act No 25 of

1999)

Section 38 states that Heritage Impact

Assessments (HIAs) are required for certain

kinds of development including

» the construction of a road, power line,

pipeline, canal or other similar linear

development or barrier exceeding

300 m in length;

» any development or other activity which

will change the character of a site

exceeding 5 000 m2 in extent.

The relevant Heritage Resources Authority

must be notified of developments such as

linear developments (such as roads and

power lines), bridges exceeding 50 m, or any

development or other activity which will

change the character of a site exceeding

5 000 m2; or the re-zoning of a site exceeding

10 000 m2 in extent. This notification must be

South African Heritage

Resources Agency (SAHRA) –

National heritage sites (grade 1

sites) as well as all historic graves

and human remains.

Section 4 of the NHRA provides that within 14 days of

receipt of notification the relevant Heritage Resources

Authority must notify the proponent to submit an impact

assessment report if they believe a heritage resource may

be affected.

A permit may be required should identified

cultural/heritage sites on site be required to be disturbed

or destroyed as a result of the proposed development.






Guideline


provided in the early stages of initiating that

development, and details regarding the

location, nature and extent of the proposed

development must be provided.

Standalone HIAs are not required where an

EIA is carried out as long as the EIA contains

an adequate HIA component that fulfils the

provisions of Section 38. In such cases only

those components not addressed by the EIA

should be covered by the heritage

component.


Management: Biodiversity


» Provides for the MEC/Minister to identify

any process or activity in such a listed

ecosystem as a threatening process (S53)

» A list of threatened & protected species

has been published in terms of S 56(1) -

Government Gazette 29657.

» Three government notices have been

published, i.e. GN R 150 (Commencement

of Threatened and Protected Species

Regulations, 2007), GN R 151 (Lists of

critically endangered, vulnerable and

protected species) and GN R 152

(Threatened or Protected Species

Regulations).

» Provides for listing threatened or

protected ecosystems, in one of four

categories: critically endangered (CR),

endangered (EN), vulnerable (VU) or

protected. The first national list of



As the applicant will not carry on any restricted activity, as

is defined in Section 1 of the Act, no permit is required to

be obtained in this regard.

Specialist ecological studies are required to be

undertaken as part of the EIA process. These studies have

been undertaken as part of the previously EIAs undertaken

for the site. A specialist ecological assessment has been

undertaken for the proposed project (refer to Appendix F

of the EIA report).

A permit may be required should any protected plant

species on site be disturbed or destroyed as a result of the

proposed development.






Guideline


threatened terrestrial ecosystems has

been gazetted, together with supporting

information on the listing process including

the purpose and rationale for listing

ecosystems, the criteria used to identify

listed ecosystems, the implications of listing

ecosystems, and summary statistics and

national maps of listed ecosystems

(National Environmental Management:

Biodiversity Act: National list of ecosystems

that are threatened and in need of

protection, (G 34809, GoN 1002), 9

December 2011).

» This Act also regulates alien and invader

species.

» Under this Act, a permit would be required

for any activity which is of a nature that

may negatively impact on the survival of

a listed protected species.

The developer has a responsibility for:

» The conservation of endangered

ecosystems and restriction of activities

according to the categorisation of the

area (not just by listed activity as specified

in the EIA regulations).

» Promote the application of appropriate

environmental management tools in order

to ensure integrated environmental

management of activities thereby

ensuring that all development within the






Guideline


area are in line with ecological

sustainable development and protection

of biodiversity.

» Limit further loss of biodiversity and

conserve endangered ecosystems.

Conservation of Agricultural

Resources Act (Act No 43 of

1983)

Regulation 15 of GNR1048 provides for the

declaration of weeds and invader plants, and

these are set out in Table 3 of GNR1048.

Declared Weeds and Invaders in South Africa

are categorised according to one of the

following categories:

» Category 1 plants: are prohibited and

must be controlled.

» Category 2 plants: (commercially used

plants) may be grown in demarcated

areas providing that there is a permit and

that steps are taken to prevent their

spread.

» Category 3 plants: (ornamentally used

plants) may no longer be planted; existing

plants may remain, as long as all

reasonable steps are taken to prevent the

spreading thereof, except within the

floodline of watercourses and wetlands.

These regulations provide that Category 1, 2

and 3 plants must not occur on land and that

such plants must be controlled by the

methods set out in Regulation 15E.

Department of Agriculture,

Forestry and Fisheries

While no permitting or licensing requirements arise from this

legislation, this Act will find application during the EIA

phase and will continue to apply throughout the life cycle

of the project. In this regard, soil erosion prevention and

soil conservation strategies must be developed and

implemented. In addition, a weed control and

management plan must be implemented.

The permission of agricultural authorities will be required if

the Project requires the draining of vleis, marshes or water

sponges on land outside urban areas.

National Veld and Forest In terms of Section 12 the applicant would be While no permitting or licensing requirements arise from this






Guideline


Fire Act (Act 101 of 1998) obliged to burn firebreaks to ensure that

should a veld fire occur on the property, that it

does not spread to adjoining land.

In terms of section 13 the applicant must

ensure that the firebreak is wide and long

enough to have a reasonable chance of

preventing the fire from spreading, not

causing erosion, and is reasonably free of

inflammable material.

In terms of section 17, the applicant must have

such equipment, protective clothing and

trained personnel for extinguishing fires.

legislation, this act will find application during the

operational phase of the project. Due to the fire prone

nature of the area, it must be ensured that the landowner

and developer are part of the local Fire Protection

Agency.

National Forests Act (Act No

84 of 1998)

Protected trees: According to this act, the

Minister may declare a tree, group of trees,

woodland or a species of trees as protected.

The prohibitions provide that ‘ no person may

cut, damage, disturb, destroy or remove any

protected tree, or collect, remove, transport,

export, purchase, sell, donate or in any other

manner acquire or dispose of any protected

tree, except under a licence granted by the

Minister’.

Forests: Prohibits the destruction of indigenous

trees in any natural forest without a licence.

Department of Agriculture,

Forestry and Fisheries

A permit or license is required for the destruction of

protected tree species and/or indigenous tree species

within a natural forest.

Aviation Act (Act No 74 of

1962) 13th amendment of

the Civil Aviation

Regulations (CARS) 1997

Any structure exceeding 45m above ground

level or structures where the top of the

structure exceeds 150m above the mean

ground level, the mean ground level

considered to be the lowest point in a 3km

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) While no permitting or licence requirements arise from the

legislation, this act will find application during the

operational phase of the project. Appropriate marking is

required to meet the specifications as detailed in the CAR

Part 139.01.33.






Guideline


radius around such structure.

Structures lower than 45m, which are

considered as a danger to aviation shall be

marked as such when specified.

Overhead wires, cables etc., crossing a river,

valley or major roads shall be marked and in

addition their supporting towers marked and

lighted if an aeronautical study indicates it

could constitute a hazard to aircraft.

Section 14 of Obstacle limitations and marking

outside aerodrome or heliport – CAR Part

139.01.33 relates specifically to appropriate

marking of wind energy facilities.

Hazardous Substances Act

(Act No 15 of 1973)

This Act regulates the control of substances

that may cause injury, or ill health, or death by

reason of their toxic, corrosive, irritant, strongly

sensitising or inflammable nature or the

generation of pressure thereby in certain

instances and for the control of certain

electronic products. To provide for the rating

of such substances or products in relation to

the degree of danger; to provide for the

prohibition and control of the importation,

manufacture, sale, use, operation,

modification, disposal or dumping of such

substances and products.

» Group I and II: Any substance or mixture of

a substance that might by reason of its

Department of Health It is necessary to identify and list all the Group I, II, III and IV

hazardous substances that may be on the site and in what

operational context they are used, stored or handled. If

applicable, a license is required to be obtained from the

Department of Health.






Guideline


toxic, corrosive etc., nature or because it

generates pressure through

decomposition, heat or other means,

cause extreme risk of injury etc., can be

declared to be Group I or Group II

hazardous substance;

» Group IV: any electronic product;

» Group V: any radioactive material.

The use, conveyance or storage of any

hazardous substance (such as distillate fuel) is

prohibited without an appropriate license

being in force.

National Road Traffic Act

(Act No 93 of 1996)

The Technical Recommendations for Highways

(TRH 11): “Draft Guidelines for Granting of

Exemption Permits for the Conveyance of

Abnormal Loads and for other Events on

Public Roads” outline the rules and conditions

which apply to the transport of abnormal

loads and vehicles on public roads and the

detailed procedures to be followed in

applying for exemption permits are described

and discussed.

Legal axle load limits and the restrictions

imposed on abnormally heavy loads are

discussed in relation to the damaging effect

on road pavements, bridges and culverts.

The general conditions, limitations and escort

requirements for abnormally dimensioned

Provincial Department of

Transport (provincial roads)

South African National Roads

Agency Limited (national roads)

An abnormal load/vehicle permit may be required to

transport the various components to site for construction.

These include:

» Route clearances and permits will be required for

vehicles carrying abnormally heavy or abnormally

dimensioned loads.

» Transport vehicles exceeding the dimensional

limitations (length) of 22m.

» Depending on the trailer configuration and height

when loaded, some of the power station components

may not meet specified dimensional limitations

(height and width).






Guideline


loads and vehicles are also discussed and

reference is made to speed restrictions,

power/mass ratio, mass distribution and

general operating conditions for abnormal

loads and vehicles. Provision is also made for

the granting of permits for all other exemptions

from the requirements of the National Road

Traffic Act and the relevant Regulations.

Development Facilitation


Provides for the overall framework and

administrative structures for planning

throughout the Republic.

Sections 2- 4 provide general principles for

land development and conflict resolution.

Karoo Hoogland Local

Municipality

The applicant must submit a land development

application in the prescribed manner and form as

provided for in the Act. A land development applicant

who wishes to establish a land development area must

comply with procedures set out in the DFA.

Subdivision of Agricultural

Land Act (Act No 70 of

1970)

Details land subdivision requirements and

procedures. Applies for subdivision of all

agricultural land, or for the registration of a

lease for longer than 10 years.

Consent of Minister of

Agriculture to subdivide, or

register long lease or servitude,

in respect of agricultural land.

Subdivision will have to be in place prior to any subdivision

approval in terms of in terms of Section 24 and 17 of LUPO.

Subdivision is required to be undertaken following the

issuing of an environmental authorisation for the proposed

project.

Promotion of Access to

Information Act (Act No 2 of

2000)

» All requests for access to information held

by state or private body are provided for

in the Act under S11.


Environmental Affairs (DEA)

No permitting or licensing requirements. This act may find

application during through the project EIA.

Promotion of Administrative

Justice Act (Act No 3 of

2000)

» In terms of Section 3 the government is

required to act lawfully and take

procedurally fair, reasonable and rational

decisions

» Interested & affected parties have right to

be heard


Environmental Affairs (DEA)

No permitting or licensing requirements. This act will find

application during through the project EIA.

Provincial Legislation/ Policies / Plans

Northern Cape Nature To provide for the sustainable utilisation of wild Northern Cape Department of The owner of land upon which an invasive species is






Guideline


Conservation Act, 2009 animals, aquatic biota and plants; to provide

for the implementation of the Convention on

International Trade in Endangered Species of

Wild Fauna and Flora; to provide for offences

and penalties for contravention of the Act; to

provide for the appointment of nature

conservators to implement the provisions of

the Act; to provide for the issuing of permits

and other authorisations; and to provide for

matters connected therewith.

Environmental Affairs and Nature

Conservation

found, must take the necessary steps to eradicate or

destroy such species.

Astronomy Geographic

Advantage Act (Act 21 of

2007)

» Preservation and protection of areas

within South Africa that are uniquely

suited for optical and radio astronomy.

» Regulations promulgated in terms of AGA

in 2009 require all developments in the

Sutherland area that entail external night

lighting, to be fully cut-off, with no light

emitted in the upward direction. This is

aimed at protecting the observational

integrity of SALT (Southern African Large

Telescope), the largest telescope in the

Southern Hemisphere, located

approximately

20 km east of Sutherland.

» In terms of section 7(1) and 7(2) of this

Act, the Minister declared core astronomy

advantage areas on 20 August 2010

under Regulation No. 723 of Government

Notice No. 33462. in this regard, all land

within a 3 kilometres radius of the centre

Department of Science and

Technology

No permitting or licensing requirements.






Guideline


of the Southern African large Telescope

dome falls under the Sutherland Core

Astronomy Advantage Area. The

declaration also applies to the core

astronomy advantage area containing

the MeerKAT radio telescope and the

core of the planned Square Kilometre

Array (SKA) radio telescope. The study

area does not fall within the 3 km radius of

SALT or within an area which could affect

the MeerKAT and SKA developments.

» Under Section 22(1) of the Act the Minister

has the authority to protect the radio

frequency spectrum for astronomy

observations within a core or central

astronomy advantage area. As such, the

Minister may still under section 23(1) of the

Act, declare that no person may

undertake certain activities within a core

or central astronomy advantage area.

These activities include the construction,

expansion or operation of any fixed radio

frequency interference source, facilities

for the generation, transmission or

distribution of electricity, or any activity

capable of causing radio frequency

interference or which may detrimentally

influence the astronomy and scientific

endeavour.

Local Legislation / Policies / Plans






Guideline



Municipality Integrated

Development Plan (IDP)

» The IDP notes that the Karoo Hoogland is

primarily an agricultural community.

Conservation of the environment and

sustainable development are identified as

primary points of departure in policy.

» The main socio-economic developmental

issues are identified as widespread

poverty, the lack of employment

opportunities, low adult literacy levels, and

general the lack of diversified skills

amongst the bulk of the population.

School dropout rates are pronounced. The

IDP describes general living conditions in

the LM as “some of the worst in the

country”.


Municipality

» New developments in the municipality to be in line

with the IDP.

Standards

Noise Standards Four South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)

scientific standards are considered relevant to

noise from a Wind Energy Facility. They are:

» SANS 10103:2008. ‘The measurement and

rating of environmental noise with respect

to annoyance and to speech

communication’.

» SANS 10210:2004. ‘Calculating and

predicting road traffic noise’.

» SANS 10328:2008. ‘Methods for

environmental noise impact assessments’.

» SANS 10357:2004. ‘The calculation of

sound propagation by the Concave

method’.

Local Municipality The recommendations that the standards make are likely

to inform decisions by authorities, but non-compliance

with the standards will not necessarily render an activity

unlawful per se.






Guideline


The relevant standards use the equivalent

continuous rating level as a basis for

determining what is acceptable. The levels

may take single event noise into account, but

single event noise by itself does not determine

whether noise levels are acceptable for land

use purposes.




Structure of this EMP Page 35

CHAPTER 3: STRUCTURE OF THIS EMPR

The first two chapters provide background to the EMPr and the proposed project. The chapters which

follow consider the:

» Planning and design activities;

» Construction activities;

» Operation activities; and

» Decommissioning activities.

These chapters set out the procedures necessary for the wind energy facility to achieve environmental

compliance. For each of the phases for the wind energy facility project, an over-arching environmental

goal is stated. In order to meet this goal, a number of objectives are listed. The management plan has

been structured in table format in order to show the links between the goals for each phase and their

associated objectives, activities/risk sources, mitigation actions monitoring requirements and performance

indicators. A specific Environmental Management Programme table has been established for each

environmental objective. The information provided within the EMPr table for each objective is illustrated

below:

OBJECTIVE: Description of the objective, which is necessary in order to meet the overall goals; these take into account

the findings of the environmental impact assessment specialist studies

Project component/s List of project components affecting the objective, i.e.:

» wind turbines;

» access roads;

» substation; and

» power line.

Potential Impact Brief description of potential environmental impact if objective is not met.

Activity/risk source Description of activities which could impact on achieving objective.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

Description of the target; include quantitative measures and/or dates of completion.

Mitigation: Action/control Responsibility Timeframe

List specific action(s) required to meet the

mitigation target/objective described above.

Who is responsible for

the measures

Time periods for implementation of

measures.




Structure of this EMP Page 36

Performance

Indicator

Description of key indicator(s) that track progress/indicate the effectiveness of the

management plan.

Monitoring and

Reporting

Mechanisms for monitoring compliance; the key monitoring actions required to check

whether the objectives are being achieved, taking into consideration responsibility,

frequency, methods and reporting.

The objectives and EMPr tables are required to be reviewed and possibly modified whenever changes,

such as the following, occur:

» Planned activities change (i.e. in terms of the components of the facility).

» Modification to or addition to environmental objectives and targets.

» Additional or unforeseen environmental impacts are identified.

» Relevant legal or other requirements are changed or introduced.

» Significant progress has been made on achieving an objective or target such that it should be re-

examined to determine if it is still relevant, should be modified, etc.

3.1. Project Team

This draft EMPr was compiled by:

EMP Compilers

Ravisha Ajodhapersadh (2014) Savannah Environmental

Hermien Slabbert (2019) Savannah Environmental

Gideon Raath (2019) Savannah Environmental

Jo-Anne Thomas (2019) Savannah Environmental

Karen Jodas (2014) Savannah Environmental

Input from Specialists

Ecology David Hoare Consulting cc (2014) and 3 Foxes Biodiversity Solutions

(2019)

Avifauna Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) (2014) and Arcus Consulting (2019)

Soils and Land-Use TerraSoil Science (2014)

Visual MetroGIS (2014) and LOGIS (2019)

Heritage Albany Museum (2014) and CTS Heritage (2019)

Palaeontology Lloyd Rossouw (2014)

Noise MENCO (2014) and Enviro Acoustic Research (2019)

Social Impact Tony Barbour (Environmental Consultant and Researcher) (2014 & 2019)

Bats Animalia cc (2014) and Arcus Consulting (2019)

The Savannah Environmental team have extensive knowledge and experience in environmental impact

assessment and environmental management, and have managed and drafted Environmental

Management Programmes for other wind energy facility projects throughout South Africa. In addition,

they have been involved in compliance monitoring of major construction projects in South Africa.




Management Programme: Planning & Design Page 37

CHAPTER 4: MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE WIND ENERGY FACILITY: PLANNING &

DESIGN

4.1. Planning and Design

OBJECTIVE 1 : To ensure that the design of the facility responds to the identified environmental constraints

and opportunities

Subject to final turbine micro-siting and subsequent acceptance from DEA, the layout and preferred grid

connection option must be implemented.

Project component/s Project components affecting the objective:

» wind turbines;

» access roads and crane hard standings;

» substation;

» service building; and

» power line.

Potential Impact » Design fails to respond optimally to the environmental consideration.

Activities/risk sources » Positioning of turbines and access roads

» Positioning of substation

» Alignment of overhead power lines

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» To ensure that the design of the facility responds to the identified environmental

constraints and opportunities.

» To ensure that the design of the facility responds to the identified constraints identified

through pre-construction bird and bat monitoring.


The developer to finalise layout of all components, and

submit to DEA for approval.

Project Company,

Contractor

Prior to construction

Additional avifaunal pre-construction monitoring must

be conducted. This monitoring can be refined, and

focussed on the Great Karoo WEF, and it is not

necessary to repeat the full protocol conducted by EWT

(2014). The monitoring data collected will update the

avifaunal baseline for the site, to allow for meaningful

comparison with operational monitoring data, and it

must also be used to inform the final micro-siting of the

WEF where applicable.

Project Company Prior to construction

The nests sites, N1-N3, must be revisited by an avifaunal

specialist during the eagle breeding season (e.g.

approximately June-September) to confirm the activity

of these sites and the species utilising these sites (if

active). Once the above has been completed, the

specialist must advise any additional recommendations

and/or mitigations, which may result in a need to

update the EMPr for the project and/or refine the final







layout of the turbines. If any active nest sites of eagles

are confirmed, these nests sites must be re-visited and

regularly surveyed to determine the breeding success

of eagles. Monitoring of any such active eagle nest sites

should continue in to the construction phase of the

project, and throughout the operational lifespan of the

project, in accordance with the applicable guidelines

in effect at the time.

Consider design level mitigation measures

recommended by the specialists, especially with

respect to ecology, visual aesthetics, drainage lines

and avifauna as detailed within the EIA report and

relevant appendices.

Project Company,

Contractor

Tender Design & Design Review

Stage

Access roads to be carefully planned to minimise the

impacted area and prevent unnecessary over

compaction of soil. That is, keep grazing and natural

units as intact as possible.

Project Company,

Contractor

Design phase

Any further changes to the road or turbine positions

should be checked by an ecological specialist to

ensure that any high ecological sensitivity areas and

features at the site are not affected.


Turbines which maximise the ground clearance as

much as possible, and minimise the tip height (i.e. the

distance between the ground and the blade tip at its

highest point) should be used.


A comprehensive stormwater management to be

compiled that details how stormwater off hard surfaces

will be managed to reduce velocities and volumes of

water that could lead to erosion of surfaces.

Contractor Design phase

The draft EMPr should form part of the contract with the

Contractors appointed to construct and maintain the

proposed wind energy facility, and will be used to

ensure compliance with environmental specifications

and management measures. The implementation of

this EMP for all life cycle phases of the proposed project

is considered to be key in achieving the appropriate

environmental management standards as detailed for

this project.

Project Company,

Contractor

Tender Design & Design Review

Stage

The final location of the wind turbines and associated

infrastructure (including access roads, the substation

location and power line alignments) must be informed

by a survey undertaken by an ecological specialist to

identify any of the Red List plant species that have a

geographic distribution in the areas, this includes:

» Vulnerable species (Romulea eburnea, Lotononis

venosa and Geissorhiza karooica); and

» Rare species (Cleretum lyratifolium and Strumaria

karooica).

The findings of this survey must be included in the

Project Company,

Contractor

Design phase






updated EMPr to be compiled for the project. Prior to

construction, the footprint of each turbine and power

line tower must be searched for the relevant

populations of plant species of concern. If any

populations are found in these areas, infrastructure

should be moved to avoid impacts. If not possible to

avoid the impact, a permit is required in terms of

Chapter 7 of the National Environmental Management:

Biodiversity Act to carry out a restricted activity

involving a specimen of a listed threatened or

protected species.

A walk-through survey by an ecologist and avifaunal

specialist to be undertaken for the final power line

route, and sections of the power line which cross

sensitive habitats should be demarcated.

Project Company,

Contractor, ecologist,

avifaunal specialist

Design phase

The Ecological preconstruction walk-through will need

to locate and identify species of conservation concern

that are within the development footprint.

Project Company and

Contractor

Project Company

Prior to construction, a walk-down of the amended

layout must be conducted by a qualified archaeologist

to ensure that no heritage resources are to be

impacted by the new locations of the turbines. If

heritage resources are identified at or near any

proposed infrastructure, an assessment of the

significance of the heritage resources and the impact

to the identified heritage resource must be completed.

A report detailing the results of the survey must be

submitted to SAHRA before construction commences.

Permits must be obtained to impact on any heritage

sites of significance.

Project Company Pre-construction

Water use license to be obtained for any impacts on

wetlands / drainage lines (if applicable).

Project Company,

Contractor

Design phase

Water use license (or General Authorisation) to be

obtained for abstraction of water from on-site

borehole/s for construction o operation purposes.

Project Company,

Contractor

Design phase

Mining permit/license to be obtained for any borrow

pits to be established for the project (if applicable).


A ridge survey is undertaken for the identification of

nesting sites before construction.

Project Company, ,

ecologist, avifaunal

specialist

Design phase

Obtain required abnormal load permits for

transportation of project components to site.


Determine an appropriate location for onsite batching Contractor Design phase

A detailed geotechnical investigation is required for the

design phase.


Develop and implement a storm water management

plan for the construction and operational phase and

append it to the EMPR

Project Company Design phase





Performance

Indicator

» Design meets objectives and does not degrade the environment.

» Design and layouts etc. respond to the mitigation measures and recommendations in

the EIA report.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Ensure that the design implemented meets the objectives and mitigation measures in the

EIA report through review of the design by the Project Manager and Environmental

Control Officer (ECO) prior to the commencement of construction.




Management Programme: Construction Page 41

CHAPTER 5: MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE WIND ENERGY FACILITY: CONSTRUCTION

5.1. Overall Goal for Construction

The construction phase of the wind energy facility should be undertaken in such a way that ensures the

construction activities are properly managed in respect of environmental aspects and impacts and

enables the wind energy facility construction activities to be undertaken without significant disruption to

other land uses in the area, in particular with regard to noise impacts, traffic and road use, and effects on

local residents. The construction phase of the facility should also be undertaken in such a way as to

minimise the impact on the vegetation, fauna and avifauna on the site as well as on any archaeological

and historical value the site may have, as determined by the EIA.

5.2. Institutional Arrangements: Roles and Responsibilities for the Construction Phase of the

Wind Energy Facility

The proponent must ensure that the implementation of the Power Station complies with the requirements

of any and all environmental authorisations and permits, and obligations emanating from other relevant

environmental legislation. This obligation is partly met through the development of the EMPr, and the

implementation of the EMPr through its integration into the contract documentation. These are outlined

below. The developer will retain various key roles and responsibilities during the construction of the wind

energy facility.

Specific responsibilities of the Owner’s Representatives; Environmental Control Officer and EPC Contractor

for the construction phase of this project are as detailed below.

The Project Manager will:

» Ensure all specifications and legal constraints specifically with regards to the environment are

highlighted to the Contractor(s) so that they are aware of these.

» Ensure that its Contractors are made aware of all stipulations within the EMPr.

» Ensure that the EMPr is correctly implemented throughout the project cycle by means of site

inspections and meetings. This will be documented as part of the site meeting minutes.

» Be fully conversant with the Environmental Impact Assessment for the project, the EMPr, the conditions

of the Environmental Authorisation, and all relevant environmental legislation.

The Site Manager (On-site Representative) will:

» Be fully knowledgeable with the contents of the Environmental Impact Assessment.

» Be fully knowledgeable with the contents and conditions of the Environmental Authorisation.

» Be fully knowledgeable with the contents of the EMPr.

» Be fully knowledgeable with the contents of all relevant environmental legislation, and ensure

compliance with these.

» Be fully knowledgeable with the contents of all relevant licences and permits.

» Have overall responsibility of the EMPr and its implementation.

» Conduct audits to ensure compliance to the EMPr.





» Ensure there is communication with the Project Manager, the Environmental Control Officer/s and

relevant discipline Engineers on matters concerning the environment.

» Ensure that no actions are taken which will harm or may indirectly cause harm to the environment, and

take steps to prevent pollution on the site.

» Confine activities to the demarcated construction site.

An independent Environmental Control Officer (ECO) must be appointed by the project proponent prior to

the commencement of any authorised activities. The ECO will be responsible for monitoring, reviewing

and verifying compliance by the Contractor with the environmental specifications of the EMPr and the

conditions of the Environmental Authorisation. The ECO must:

» Be fully knowledgeable of the contents with the Environmental Impact Assessment.

» Be fully knowledgeable of the contents with the conditions of the Environmental Authorisation (once

issued).

» Be fully knowledgeable of the contents with the EMPr.

» Be fully knowledgeable of the contents with all relevant environmental legislation, and ensure

compliance with them.

» Be fully knowledgeable of all the licences and permits issued to the site.

» Ensure that the contents of this document are communicated to the Contractor site staff and that the

Site Manager and Contractor are constantly made aware of the contents through discussion.

» Ensure that the compliance of the EMPr is monitored through regular and comprehensive inspection of

the site and surrounding areas.

» Ensure that the Site Manager has input into the review and acceptance of construction methods and

method statements.

» Ensure that activities on site comply with all relevant environmental legislation.

» Ensure that a removal is ordered of any person(s) and/or equipment responsible for any contravention

of the specifications of the EMPr.

» Ensure that any non-compliance or remedial measures that need to be applied are reported.

» Keep record of all activities on site, problems identified, transgressions noted and a task schedule of

tasks undertaken by the ECO.

» Independently report to DEA in terms of compliance with the specifications of the EMPr and conditions

of the Environmental Authorisation (once issued).

» Keep record of all reports submitted to DEA.

The ECO shall remain employed until all rehabilitation measures, as required for implementation due to

construction damage, are completed and the site handed over for operation.

Contractors and Service Providers: All contractors (including sub-contractors and staff) and service

providers are ultimately responsible for:

» Ensuring adherence to the environmental management specifications.

» Ensuring that Method Statements are submitted to the Site Manager for approval before any work is

undertaken. Any lack of adherence to this will be considered as non-compliance to the specifications

of the EMPr.

» Ensuring that any instructions issued by the Site Manager on the advice of the ECO are adhered to.

» Ensuring that a report is tabled at each site meeting, which will document all incidents that have

occurred during the period before the site meeting.





» Ensuring that a register is kept in the site office, which lists all transgressions issued by the ECO.

» Ensuring that a register of all public complaints is maintained.

» Ensuring that all employees, including those of sub-contractors receive training before the

commencement of construction in order that they can constructively contribute towards the

successful implementation of the EMPr (i.e. ensure their staff are appropriately trained as to the

environmental obligations).

Contractor’s Environmental Representative: The Contractor’s Environmental Representative (CER),

employed by the Contractor, is responsible for managing the day-to-day on-site implementation of this

EMPr, and for the compilation of regular (usually weekly) Monitoring Reports. In addition, the CER must act

as liaison and advisor on all environmental and related issues and ensure that any complaints received

from the public are duly recorded and forwarded to the Site Manager and Contractor.

The Contractor’s Environmental Representative must:

» Be well versed in environmental matters.

» Understand the relevant environmental legislation and processes.

» Understand the hierarchy of Environmental Compliance Reporting, and the implications of Non-

Compliance.

» Know the background of the project and understand the implementation programme.

» Be able to resolve conflicts and make recommendations on site in terms of the requirements of this

Specification.

» Keep accurate and detailed records of all EMPr-related activities on site.

5.3. Objectives for the Construction EMPr

In order to meet the goal for construction, the following objectives have been identified, together with

necessary actions and monitoring requirements.

OBJECTIVE 2 : Securing the site and site establishment

The Contractor must take all reasonable measures to ensure the safety of the public in the surrounding

area. Where the public could be exposed to danger by any of the works or site activities, the Contractor

must, as appropriate, provide suitable flagmen, barriers and/or warning signs in English and any other

relevant indigenous languages, all to the approval of the Site Manager. All unattended open excavations

shall be adequately demarcated and/or fenced (fencing shall consist of a minimum of three strands of

wire wrapped with danger tape). Adequate protective measures must be implemented to prevent

unauthorised access to the working area and the internal access/haul routes.


» wind turbines;

» access roads;

» substation;

» power line; and

» service buildings.

Potential Impact » Hazards to landowners and public

» Security of materials





» Substantially increased damage to adjacent sensitive vegetation

Activities/risk sources » Open excavations (foundations and cable trenches)

» Movement of construction vehicles in the area and on-site

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» To secure the site against unauthorised entry

» To protect members of the public/landowners/residents


Secure site, working areas and excavations in an

appropriate manner.

Contractor During site establishment

Maintenance: for duration of

Contract.

Where necessary to control access, fence and secure

access to the site and entrances to the site.

Contractor During site establishment

Maintenance: for duration of

Contract.

Fence and secure Contractor’s equipment camp. Contractor Erection: during site

establishment Maintenance: for

duration of Contract.

Location of concrete batching plant/s to be approved by

ECO, prior to its establishment.

ECO During site establishment

Performance

Indicator

» Site is secure and there is no unauthorised entry.

» No members of the public/ landowners injured.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Regular visual inspection of fence for signs of deterioration/forced access.

» An incident reporting system must be used to record non-conformances to the EMPr.

» Public complaints register must be developed and maintained on site.

» ECO to monitor all construction areas on a continuous basis until all construction is

completed; immediate report backs to site manager.

» ECO to address any infringements with responsible contractors as soon as these are

recorded.

OBJECTIVE 3 : Maximise local employment and business opportunities associated with the construction

phase

It is acknowledged that skilled personnel are required for the construction of the wind turbines and

associated infrastructure. However, where semi-skilled and unskilled labour is required, opportunities for

local employment should be maximised as far as possible.

Project component/s » wind turbines;

» access roads;

» substation;

» power line; and

» service buildings.

Potential Impact » The opportunities and benefits associated with the creation of local employment and

business should be maximised. However, due to the relatively small size of the facility the

number of employment and business opportunities for locals will be limited.

Activities/risk sources » The employment of outside contractors to undertake the work and who make use of





their own labour will reduce the employment and business opportunities for locals.

Employment of local labour will maximise local employment opportunities.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» Developer, in discussions with the local municipality, should aim to employ as many

workers (skilled, semi-skilled / low-skilled) from the local areas/ towns, as possible.

» Developer should develop a database of local BEE service providers


Employ as many workers (skilled, semi-skilled / low-

skilled) from the local area/ nearby towns.

Contractors Construction

Implement appropriate training and skills development

programmes prior to the initiation of the construction

phase to ensure that local employment target is met.

Contractors Where required, training and skills

development programmes to be

initiated prior to the initiation of the

construction phase.

Develop a database of local BEE service providers and

ensure that they are informed of relevant tenders and

job opportunities.

Contractors Database of potential local BEE

services providers to be completed

before construction phase

commences.

Identify potential opportunities for local businesses. Contractors Tender Design and Review stage

Performance

Indicator

» Source as many local labourers as possible.

» Database of potential local BEE services providers in place before construction phase

commences.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Contractors and appointed ECO must monitor indicators listed above to ensure that they

have been met for the construction phase.



OBJECTIVE 4 : Avoid the negative social impacts on family structures and social networks due to the

presence of construction workers

While the presence of construction workers does not in itself constitute a social impact, the manner in

which construction workers conduct themselves can impact on the local community. In this regard the

most significant negative impact is associated with the disruption of existing family structures and social

networks. This risk is linked to the potential behaviour of male construction workers, including an increase in

alcohol and drug use, an increase in crime levels, the loss of girlfriends and or wives to construction

workers, an increase in teenage and unwanted pregnancies, an increase in prostitution and an increase in

sexually transmitted diseases.

The potential risk to local family structures and social networks is, however, likely to be low. The low and

semi-skilled workers are likely to be local residents and will therefore from part of the local family and social

network.

Project component/s » Construction of wind turbines

» Construction work force

Potential Impact » The presence of construction workers who live outside the area and who are housed in





local towns can impact on family structures and social networks.

» Presence of construction workers on site may result in loss of livestock due to stock theft

and damage to farm infrastructure, such as gates and fences. Poaching of wild animals

may also occur.

» Due the relatively small number of workers associated with the construction of the

proposed facility, the risk of impacts is likely to be low.

Activities/risk sources » The presence of construction workers can impact negatively on family structures and

social networks, especially in small, rural communities.

» The presence of construction workers on the site can result in stock thefts and damage to

farm infrastructure.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» Avoid and or minimise the potential impact of construction workers on the local

community and livelihoods.


Establish contact with the adjacent farmers and develop

a Code of Conduct for construction workers.

Ensure that construction workers attend a brief session

before they commence activities. The aim of the briefing

session is to inform them of the rules and regulations

governing activities on the site as set out in the Code of

Conduct.

Ensure that all workers are informed at the outset of the

construction phase of the conditions contained on the

Code of Conduct.

Contractors Briefing session for construction

workers held before they

commence work on site.

Ensure that construction workers who are found guilty of

breaching the Code of Conduct are dealt with

appropriately. Dismissals must be in accordance with

South African labour legislation.


No housing of construction workers on the site to be

permitted, apart from security personnel.


Compensate farmers / community members for any

proven cost for any losses, such as livestock, damage to

infrastructure etc.

Contractors Compensate Farmers /

community after a claim has

been verified by the Developer

or Contractors.

Performance

Indicator

» Employment policy and tender documents that set out requirement for local

employment and targets completed before construction phase commences.

» Code of Conduct developed and approved prior to commencement of construction

phase.

» Labour locally sourced, where possible.

» Tender documents for contractors include recommendations for construction camp.

» All construction workers made aware of Code of Conduct within first week of being

employed.

» Briefing session with construction workers held at outset of construction phase.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» The Developer and appointed ECO must monitor indicators listed above to ensure that

they have been met for the construction phase.







OBJECTIVE 5 : Noise control

Various construction activities would be taking place during the development of the facility and may pose

a noise risk to sensitive receptors. While the study undertaken in the EIA investigated likely and significant

noisy activities, it did not evaluate all potential activities that could result in a noise impact, as these were

not defined at the time of the study. Other construction activities not evaluated could include temporary

or short-term activities where small equipment is used (such as the digging of trenches to lay underground

power-cables).

Project component/s List of project components affecting the objective:

» Construction of turbine system (foundation, tower, nacelle and rotor);

» Substation;

» access roads; and

» Power lines.

Potential Impact » Nuisance noise from construction activities affecting the surrounding community.

Activity/risk source » Any construction activities taking place within 500 m from potentially sensitive receptors

(PSR).

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» Ensure equivalent A-weighted noise levels below 45 dBA at potentially sensitive

receptors.

» Ensure as far as possible that maximum noise levels at potentially sensitive receptors be

less than 65 dBA.

» Prevent the generation of a disturbing or nuisance noises.

» Ensure acceptable noise levels at surrounding stakeholders and potentially sensitive

receptors.

» Ensuring compliance with the Noise Control Regulations.


The construction crew must abide by the national

standards and local by-laws regarding noise.

Contractor Construction

All construction equipment, including vehicles, must be

properly and appropriately maintained in order to

minimise noise generation.


Establish a line of communication and notify all

stakeholders and sensitive receptors of the means of

registering any issues, complaints or comments.

Environmental

Control Officer

All phases of project.

Notify potentially sensitive receptors about work to take

place at least 2 days before the activity in the vicinity

(within 500 m) of the PSR is to start. The following

information to be presented in writing:

» Description of activity to take place;

» Estimated duration of activity;

» Working hours; and

» Contact details of responsible party.

Contractor,

Environmental

Control Officer

At least 2 days, but not more

than 5 days before activity is to

commence.





Performance

Indicator

» No complaints received concerning noise.

» Equivalent A-weighted noise levels below 45 dBA at potentially sensitive receptors.

» Ensure that maximum noise levels at potentially sensitive receptors are less than 65 dBA

as far as possible.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Should a compliant about noise be reported, the developer to look into the matter and

determine steps to deal with the complaint. An incident reporting system must be used

to record non-conformances to the EMPr.


OBJECTIVE 6 : Management of dust and emissions and damage to roads

During the construction phase, limited gaseous or particulate emissions (and dust) are anticipated from

exhaust emissions from construction vehicles and equipment on-site, as well as vehicle entrained dust from

the movement of vehicles on the internal access roads.


» wind turbines;

» access roads;

» substation; and

» power line.

Potential Impact » Heavy vehicles can generate noise and dust impacts. Movement of heavy vehicles can

also damage roads.

Activities/risk sources » The movement of heavy vehicles and their activities on the site can result in noise and

dust impacts and damage roads.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» To avoid and or minimise the potential noise and dust impacts associated with heavy

vehicles, and also minimise damage to roads.


Implement appropriate dust suppression measures on site

such as wetting roads on a regular basis.


Haul vehicles moving outside the construction site carrying

material that can be wind-blown should be covered with

tarpaulins.

Contractor Duration of contract

Ensure vehicles adhere to speed limits on public roads and

speed limits set within the site by the ECO. Vehicles

should be fitted with recorders to record when vehicles

exceed the speed limit.

Contractor/

transportation

contractor

Duration of contract

Disturbed areas must be re-vegetated as soon as

practicable after construction is complete in an area.

Contractor At completion of the

construction phase.

Vehicles and equipment must be maintained in a road-

worthy condition at all times.

Contractor Prior to construction phase.

Ensure that damage to gravel public roads and access

roads attributable to construction vehicles is repaired

before completion of construction phase.

Contractor Before completion of

construction phase.

Regular dust control of materials (sand, soil, cement) must

be used at concrete batching plants on site.






Performance

Indicator

» Appropriate dust suppression measures implemented on site during the construction

phase.

» Drivers made aware of the potential safety issues and enforcement of strict speed limits

when they are employed.

» All heavy vehicles equipped with speed monitors before they are used in the

construction phase.

» Road worthy certificates in place for all heavy vehicles at outset of construction phase

and up-dated on a monthly basis.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Developer and appointed ECO must monitor indicators listed above to ensure that they


» Immediate reporting by personnel of any potential or actual issues with nuisance dust or

emissions to the Site Manager.



OBJECTIVE 7 : Soil and rock degradation and erosion control

The natural soil on the site needs to be preserved as far as possible to minimise impacts on the

environment. Soil degradation including erosion (by wind and water) and subsequent deposition

elsewhere is of a concern in areas underlain by fine grained soil which can be mobilised when disturbed,

even on relatively low slope gradients (accelerated erosion). Uncontrolled run-off relating to construction

activity (excessive wetting, etc.) will also lead to accelerated erosion. Degradation of the natural soil

profile due to excavation, stockpiling, compaction, pollution and other construction activities will affect soil

forming processes and associated ecosystems. Steep slope are prone to soil erosion and good soil

management must be undertaken during construction.

A set of strictly adhered to mitigation measures are required to be implemented in order to effectively limit

the impact on the environment. The disturbance areas where human impact is likely are the focus of the

mitigation measures laid out below. Management of erosion will be required during the construction

phase of the facility. An erosion management plan is required to ensure compliance with applicable

regulations and to prevent increased soil erosion and sedimentation of the downstream environment. The

section below provides a guideline for the management of erosion on site and will need to be

supplemented with the principles for erosion management contained in the Erosion Management Plan

included in Appendix A.


» wind turbines;

» access roads;

» substation;

» power line;

» Sealed surfaces (e.g. roofs, concrete surfaces, compacted road surfaces, paved roads /

areas); andAll other infrastructure.

Potential Impact » Erosion and soil loss;

» Negative impacts on wetlands;





» Disturbance to or loss of wetland/pan habitat;

» Sedimentation of watercourses/wetland areas;

» A loss of indigenous vegetation cover; and

» Increased runoff into drainage lines can potentially be associated with accelerated

erosion.

Activities/risk sources » Rainfall and wind erosion of disturbed areas;

» Excavation, stockpiling and compaction of soil;

» Concentrated discharge of water from construction activity;

» Stormwater run-off from sealed surfaces;

» Mobile construction equipment movement on site;

» Power line construction activities;

» River/stream/drainage line road crossings;

» Roadside drainage ditches; and

» Project related infrastructure, such as buildings, turbines and fences.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» To minimise erosion of soil from site during construction;

» To minimise deposition of soil into drainage lines;

» To minimise damage to vegetation by erosion or deposition;

» To minimise damage to rock, soil and vegetation by construction activity;

» No accelerated overland flow related surface erosion as a result of a loss of vegetation

cover;

» No reduction in the surface area of wetlands (drainage lines and other wetland areas) as

a result of the establishment of infrastructure;

» Minimal loss of vegetation cover due to construction related activities;

» No or insignificant loss of wetland area in the specialist study area;

» No increase in runoff into drainage lines as a result of construction of project related

infrastructure; and

» No increase in runoff into drainage lines as a result of road construction.


Stockpile topsoil for re-use in rehabilitation phase.

Maintain stockpile shape and protect from erosion. All

stockpiles must be positioned at least 50 m away from

drainage lines and wetlands. Limit the height of stockpiles

as far as possible to reduce compaction.

Contractor During site establishment and

any activity related to earthworks

as well as the duration of

construction.

New access roads to be carefully planned and

constructed to minimise the impacted area and prevent

unnecessary excavation, placement and compaction of

soil.

Engineer / ECO /

Contractor

Before and during construction

Identify and demarcate construction areas for general

construction work and restrict construction activity to

these areas.


Rehabilitate disturbance areas as soon as construction in

an area is completed.

Contractor During and after construction

Stockpiles not used in three (3) months after stripping must

be seeded or appropriately covered to prevent dust and

erosion - only if natural seeding does not occur.

Contractor During and after construction

Erosion control measures: Implement run-off attenuation

on slopes (sand bags, logs), silt fences, stormwater catch-

pits, shade nets or temporary mulching over denuded

Contractor Erection: Before construction

Maintenance: Duration of

contract.






areas.

Particular care should be taken in the design of road

drainage line and wetland crossings in order to ensure

there is no step in the channel bed, substrate continuity is

maintained and no undue constriction of flow takes

place.

Contractor Erection: during site

establishment Maintenance: for

duration of contract.

Where access roads cross natural drainage lines or

wetlands, culverts (or other appropriate measures) must

be designed to allow free flow. Regular maintenance of

the culverts must be carried out.

Engineer / ECO /

Contractor

Before and during construction

Control depth of all excavations and stability of cut

faces/sidewalls.

Engineer / ECO /

Contractor

Maintenance over duration of

contract

Compile a comprehensive stormwater management plan

as part of the final design of the project and implement

during construction and operation.

Construction team,

management,

environmental

control officer

Compile during design;

implement during construction &

operation

Cement batching to take place in designated areas only,

as approved by the ECO (if applicable).

Contractor Construction.

Spillages of cement to be cleaned up immediately and

disposed or re-used in the construction process.


Spill kits to be kept on active parts of the construction site

& at site offices.


Soil erosion control measures (such as hessian mats and

gabions) be used for in erosion prone areas such as steep

slopes.


Performance

Indicator

» Acceptable level of activity within disturbance areas, as determined by ECO;

» Acceptable level of soil erosion around site, as determined by ECO;

» Acceptable level of increased siltation in drainage lines, as determined by ECO;

» Acceptable level of soil degradation, as determined by ECO; and

» Acceptable state of excavations, as determined by ER & ECO.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Continual inspections of the site by ECO;

» Fortnightly inspections of sediment control devices by ECO;

» On-going inspections of surroundings, including drainage lines and wetlands by ECO;

» Reporting of ineffective sediment control systems and rectification as soon as possible;

» An incident reporting system must record non-conformances to the EMPr; and


OBJECTIVE 8 : Limit disturbance and avoid damage to wetland areas and drainage lines

The layout for the wind energy facility avoids the placement of turbines (such as the substation) within

wetland areas. However, there are still some instances where roads and cables may cross identified

wetland or watercourse areas. Mitigation measures are required to minimise impacts on those systems

affected in this regard.






» access roads;

» cabling; and

» power line.

Potential Impact » Damage to wetland areas by any means that will result in hydrological changes

(includes erosion, siltation, dust, direct removal of soil of vegetation, dumping of material

within wetlands). The focus should be on the functioning of the wetland as a natural

system.

Activity/risk source » Construction of access roads, cabling and power line.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» No damage to wetlands and drainage lines within project area.


Align underground cables and internal access roads as far

as possible along existing infrastructure and disturbances.

Project Company,

Contractor, ECO

Construction

Ensure overhead power lines are constructed to span

watercourse crossings so as to reduce impacts on riparian

vegetation.

Project Company,

Contractor,

Construction

For any new construction where direct impacts on

wetlands are unavoidable cross watercourses

perpendicularly to minimise disturbance footprints.

Project Company,

Contractor,

Construction

Rehabilitate any disturbed areas as soon as possible once

construction is completed in an area.

Project Company,

Contractor,

Construction

Obtain required water use license for impacting on

wetlands (if applicable).


Construction must not result in the width of the

watercourse being narrowed.


Control stormwater and runoff water. Contractor Construction

Where identified by the ECO, utilise erosion control

measures on access roads, wetland areas and drainage

lines.


Concrete batching plants and stockpiles to be located

more than 500m away from wetlands.


Performance

Indicator

» Limited impacts on water quality, water quantity, riparian or wetland vegetation, natural

status of riparian or wetland areas.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Habitat loss in watercourses should be monitored before and after construction.

» The ECO should be responsible for driving this process and reporting.



OBJECTIVE 9 : Protection of indigenous vegetation and control of alien invasive plants





Impacts on vegetation at the construction stage are expected to be mainly as a result of direct

permanent loss of vegetation in development footprint areas. Due to disturbance of vegetation, there is a

higher risk of alien species dominating disturbed areas. Therefore, control of alien invasive plants is

required. An Alien Invasive Plant Management Plan is attached to Appendix B. Method for Plant Rescue

and Habitat Rehabilitation (a Plant Rescue and Re-Vegetation Management Plan) is attached to

Appendix C.


» wind turbines and associated laydown areas;

» access roads and cabling;

» substation;

» workshop area;

» batching plants;

» temporary laydown areas; and

» powerline and associated access road.

Potential Impact » Proliferation of alien plants

Activity/risk source » Site preparation and earthworks;

» Construction-related traffic;

» Foundations;

» Mobile construction equipment;

» Power line construction activities; and

» Dumping or damage by construction equipment outside of demarcated construction

areas.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» To retain natural vegetation in the highly sensitive areas of the site;

» To minimise footprints of disturbance of vegetation/habitats on-site;

» No alien plants within project control area; and

» No loss of species of conservation concern.


Unnecessary impacts on surrounding natural vegetation

must be avoided, e.g. driving around in the veld. The

construction impacts must be contained to the footprint

of the infrastructure.

Contractor and

ECO, management

(ECO)

Construction

Internal access roads and cables should be aligned as far

as possible along existing linear disturbances, e.g. roads

on site and away from steep slopes and drainage lines as

much as possible. Where new roads are to be

constructed, these should follow existing tracks or

disturbed areas or the edges of disturbed areas as far as

possible.

Contractor and

ECO

Construction / design

Identify and demarcate areas within which activities are

to be undertaken. Ensure that activities are restricted to

these areas to ensure unnecessary impacts on surrounding

natural vegetation are avoided.

Contractor and

ECO

Construction

Establish an on-going monitoring programme to detect,

quantify and remove any alien species that may become

established and identify the problem species (as per

Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, Act 43 of 1983

and NEM: Biodiversity Act).

Contractor and

ECO

Construction & Operation






Control any alien plants that become established using

registered control methods.

Contractor and

ECO

Construction & Operation

Performance

Indicator

» Limited disturbance outside of designated work areas.

» Minimised clearing of existing/natural vegetation.

» Limited loss of natural vegetation within "no-go" areas. Loss of other natural vegetation

only within designated footprint of infrastructure.

» Limited fragmentation of untransformed areas of natural vegetation.

» Limited alien infestation within project control area.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Observation of vegetation clearing activities by ECO throughout construction phase.

» Supervision of all clearing and earthworks.

» Monitoring of alien plant establishment within the project control area on an on-going

basis.



OBJECTIVE 10 : Protection of fauna & avifauna

Infrastructure associated with the facility often impacts on birds and animals. Furthermore, the

construction and maintenance of the power line linking the facility to the electricity grid will result in some

disturbance and habitat destruction. New roads constructed will also have a disturbance and habitat

destruction impact.


» wind turbines and ;associated laydown areas;


» substation;

» workshop area;

» batching plants;

» temporary laydown areas; and

» power lines and associated access road.

Potential Impact » Vegetation clearance and associated impacts on faunal habitats; and

» Disturbance of birds


» Construction-related traffic;

» Foundations or plant equipment installation;

» Mobile construction equipment; and

» Power line construction activities.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» To minimise footprints of habitat destruction; and

» To minimise disturbance to resident and visitor faunal and avifaunal species.


Any overhead power lines which are built, and which are

above ground and are 132kV or lower, should use a “bird

Project Company

and Contractor

During construction






friendly” monopole structure, fitted with a bird perch, as

per Eskom standard guidelines

The extent of clearing and disturbance to the native

vegetation must be kept to a minimum so that impact on

fauna and their habitats is restricted.

Contractor Site establishment & duration of

contract.

Should any animals be found these should be relocated

prior to constriction


contract.

Should any bird nests be found these should be relocated Contractor Site establishment & duration of

contract.

Np poaching or hunting of wildlife on site during

construction


contract.

Performance

Indicator

» Minimum disturbance outside of designated work areas.

» Minimised clearing of existing/natural vegetation and habitats for fauna and avifauna.

» Limited impacts on faunal species (i.e. noted/recorded fatalities), especially those of

conservation concern.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Observation of vegetation clearing activities by ECO throughout construction phase.

» Supervision of all clearing and earthworks by ECO.



OBJECTIVE 11 : Protection of fossils and sites of heritage and archaeological value

The construction phase of the wind energy facility will entail excavations into the superficial sediment

cover (soils etc.) and perhaps also into the underlying bedrock. Areas of potentially fossiliferous bedrock

may be sealed-in or sterilised by infrastructure such as hard standing areas for each wind turbine, lay down

areas and internal access roads. These activities may adversely affect potential fossil heritage within the

study area by potentially damaging, destroying, disturbing or permanently sealing-in fossils that are then

no longer available for scientific research or other public good.

The main cause of impacts to archaeological sites is physical disturbance of the material itself and its

context. The heritage and scientific potential of an archaeological site is highly dependent on its

geological and spatial context. This means that even though, for example a deep excavation may

expose archaeological artefacts, the artefacts are relatively meaningless once removed from the area in

which they were found. Large-scale excavations for foundations will damage archaeological sites, as will

road construction activities.


» wind turbines;


» Operations and service building area;

» Substation; and

» power line and associated access roads.





Potential Impact » Heritage objects or artefacts found on site are inappropriately managed or destroyed;

and

» Loss of fossil resources.


» Foundations or plant equipment installation;



» Access road construction activities; and

» Substation construction facilities.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» To ensure that any heritage objects found on site are treated appropriately and in

accordance with the relevant legislation.


Construction managers/foremen should be informed

before construction starts on the possible types of heritage

sites and cultural material they may encounter and the

procedures to follow when they find sites.


If a heritage object is found, work in that area must be

stopped immediately, and appropriate specialists brought

in to assess to site, notify the administering authority of the

item/site, and undertake due/required processes.

Project Company /

Contractor in

consultation with

Specialist


If at any stage during the construction phase any

semblance of a fossil were to be observed, it would be

vital to recover the fossil and report the occurrence to the

geological staff at the closest repository in the Northern

Cape and/or the South African Heritage Resources

Agency (SAHRA) (021 642 4502) so that systematic and

professional investigation/ excavation can be undertaken.


If concentrations of archaeological materials are exposed

during construction then all work must stop for an

archaeologist to investigate.


If any human remains (or any other concentrations of

archaeological heritage material) are exposed during

construction, all work must cease and it must be reported

immediately to the nearest museum/archaeologist or to

the South African Heritage Resources Agency, so that a

systematic and professional investigation can be

undertaken. Sufficient time should be allowed to

investigate and to remove/collect such material.


If concentrations of archaeological heritage material and

human remains are uncovered during construction, all

work must cease immediately and be reported to the

Albany Museum (046 622 2312) and/or the South African

Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) (021 642 4502) so

that systematic and professional investigation/ excavation

can be undertaken.


Construction managers/foremen should be informed

before construction starts on the possible types of heritage

sites and cultural material they may encounter and the







procedures to follow when they find sites.

Monitoring of all substantial bedrock excavations for fossil

remains by EO, with reporting of new finds to SAHRA and /

or a professional palaeontologist for possible specialist

mitigation (i.e. recording, judicious sampling of fossil

material).

EO Developer Construction

Performance

Indicator

» Minimum disturbance outside of designated work areas.

» All heritage items located are dealt with as per the legislative guidelines.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Observation of excavation activities by ECO throughout construction phase.

» Supervision of all clearing and earthworks.

» An incident reporting system will be used to record non-conformances to the EMPr.


OBJECTIVE 12 : Minimisation of visual impacts associated with construction

During construction heavy vehicles, components, cranes, equipment and construction crews will frequent

the area and may cause, at the very least, a visual nuisance to landowners and residents in the area as

well as road users.


» Construction site;

» access roads; and

» turbines.

Potential Impact » The potential scarring of the landscape due to the creation of new access roads/tracks

or the unnecessary removal of vegetation; and

» Construction traffic.

Activity/risk source » The viewing of visual scarring by observers in the vicinity of the facility or from the roads

traversing the site.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» Minimal disturbance to vegetation cover in close vicinity to the proposed facility and its

related infrastructure; and

» Minimised construction traffic, where possible.


The general appearance of construction activities,

construction equipment camps and lay-down areas

must be maintained and kept neat and tidy by means

of the timely removal of rubble and disused construction

materials.


The turbines must be painted a pale, , non-reflective

colour (i.e., as specified by CAA) before erection of the

turbines.

Contractor Erection of turbines

Limit access to the construction sites (during both

construction and operational phases) along existing

access roads as far as possible.







Ensure all disturbed areas are appropriately

rehabilitated once construction in an area is complete.

Contractor Duration of construction

Performance

Indicator

» Construction site maintained in a neat and tidy condition.

» Vegetation cover that remains intact with no erosion scarring in close proximity of the

facility.

» Site appropriately rehabilitated after construction is complete.

Monitoring » Monitoring of vegetation clearing during the construction phase.

» Monitoring of rehabilitation activities to ensure appropriate rehabilitation of the site.



OBJECTIVE 13 : Appropriate handling and storage of chemicals, hazardous substances and waste

The construction phase of the wind energy facility will involve the storage and handling of a variety of

chemicals including adhesives, abrasives, oils and lubricants, paints and solvents. The main wastes

expected to be generated by the construction of the facility will include general solid waste, hazardous

waste and liquid waste although in very small amounts.


» wind turbines;

» substation;

» power line; and

» Concrete batching plant.

Potential Impact » Release of contaminated water from contact with spilled chemicals;

» Generation of contaminated wastes from used chemical containers;

» Inefficient use of resources resulting in excessive waste generation; and

» Litter or contamination of the site or water through poor waste management practices.

Activity/risk source » Vehicles associated with site preparation and earthworks;


» Substation construction activities;

» Packaging and other construction wastes;

» Hydrocarbon use and storage ; and

» Spoil material from excavation, earthworks and site preparation.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» To ensure that the storage and handling of chemicals and hydrocarbons on-site does

not cause pollution to the environment or harm to persons;

» To ensure that the storage and maintenance of machinery on-site does not cause

pollution of the environment or harm to persons;

» To comply with waste management legislation;

» To minimise production of waste;

» To ensure appropriate waste storage and disposal; and

» To avoid environmental harm from waste disposal.


An effective monitoring system must be implemented

during the construction phase to detect any leakage or







spillage of hazardous substances during their

transportation, handling, use and storage.

The storage of flammable and combustible liquids such as

oils must be in designated areas which are appropriately

bunded, and stored in compliance with Material Safety

Data Sheets (MSDS) files, as defined by the ECO.


Any spills will receive the necessary clean-up action.

Bioremediation kits are to be kept on-site and used to

remediate any spills that may occur. Appropriate

arrangements to be made for appropriate collection and

disposal of all cleaning materials, absorbents and

contaminated soils (in accordance with a waste

management plan).


Any storage and disposal permits/approvals which may

be required must be obtained, and the conditions

attached to such permits and approvals will be complied

with.


Routine servicing and maintenance of vehicles is not to

take place on-site (except for emergency situations or

large cranes which cannot be moved off-site). If repairs of

vehicles must take place on site, an appropriate drip tray

must be used to contain any fuel or oils.


Transport of all hazardous substances must be in

accordance with the relevant legislation and regulations.


Waste disposal records must be available for ECO review

at all times.


Construction contractors must provide specific detailed

waste management plans to deal with all waste streams.


Specific areas must be designated on-site for the

temporary management of various waste streams, i.e.

general refuse, construction waste (wood and metal

scrap) and contaminated waste. Location of such areas

must seek to minimise the potential for impact on the

surrounding environment, including prevention of

contaminated runoff, seepage and vermin control.


Where possible, construction and general wastes on-site

must be reused or recycled. Bins and skips must be

available on-site for collection, separation and storage of

waste streams (such as wood, metals, general refuse etc.).


Disposal of waste must be in accordance with relevant

legislative requirements, including the use of licensed

contractors and licensed waste disposal sites.


Hydrocarbon waste must be contained and stored in

sealed containers within an appropriately bunded area.


Waste and surplus dangerous goods must be kept to a

minimum and must be transported by approved waste

transporters to sites designated for their disposal.


Documentation (waste manifest) must be maintained Contractor Duration of contract






detailing the quantity, nature and fate of any hazardous

waste.

An incident/complaints register must be established and

maintained on-site.


Hazardous and non-hazardous waste must be separated

at source. Separate waste collection bins must be

provided for this purpose. These bins must be clearly

marked and appropriately covered.

Contractors Erection: during site

establishment Maintenance:

for duration of Contract within

a particular area.

All solid waste collected must be disposed of at a

registered waste disposal site. A certificate of disposal

must be obtained and kept on file. The disposal of waste

must be in accordance with all relevant legislation. Under

no circumstances may solid waste be burnt or buried on

site.




a particular area.

Supply waste collection bins at construction equipment

and construction crew camps.




a particular area.

Construction equipment must be refuelled within

designated refuelling locations, or where remote refuelling

is required, appropriate drip trays must be utilised.


All stored fuels to be maintained within a bund and on a

sealed surface.


Fuel storage areas must be inspected regularly to ensure

bund stability, integrity and function.


Construction machinery must be stored in an

appropriately sealed area.


Oily water from bunds at the substation must be removed

from site by licensed contractors.


Spilled cement must be cleaned up as soon as possible

and disposed of at a suitably licensed waste disposal site.


Corrective action must be undertaken immediately if a

complaint is made, or potential/actual leak or spill of

polluting substance identified. This includes stopping the

contaminant from further escaping, cleaning up the

affected environment as much as practically possible and

implementing preventive measures.


In the event of a major spill or leak of contaminants, the

relevant administering authority must be immediately

notified as per the notification of emergencies/incidents.

Spill kits to be kept on-site.


Any contaminated/polluted soil removed from the site

must be disposed of at a licensed hazardous waste

disposal facility.


Upon the completion of construction, the area will be

cleared of potentially polluting materials.

Contractor Completion of construction





Performance

Indicator

» No chemical spills outside of designated storage areas;

» No water or soil contamination by chemical spills;

» No complaints received regarding waste on site or indiscriminate dumping;

» Internal site audits ensuring that waste segregation, recycling and reuse is occurring

appropriately; and

» Provision of all appropriate waste manifests for all waste streams.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Observation and supervision of chemical storage and handling practices and vehicle

maintenance throughout construction phase.

» A complaints register must be maintained, in which any complaints from the community

will be logged. Complaints must be investigated and, if appropriate, acted upon.

» Observation and supervision of waste management practices throughout construction

phase.

» Waste collection to be monitored on a regular basis.

» Waste documentation completed.


» Developer and appointed ECO must monitor indicators listed above to ensure that they


OBJECTIVE 14 : Ensure disciplined conduct of on-site contractors and workers

In order to minimise impacts on the surrounding environment, Contractors must be required to adopt a

certain Code of Conduct and commit to restricting construction activities to areas within the development

footprint. Contractors and their sub-contractors must be familiar with the conditions of the Environmental

Authorisation (once issued), the EIA Report and this EMPr, as well as the requirements of all relevant

environmental legislation.

Project component/s » Wind energy facility; and

» Associated infrastructure.

Potential Impact » Pollution/contamination of the environment; and

» Disturbance to the environment and surrounding communities.

Activity/risk source » Contractors are not aware of the requirements of the EMPr, leading to unnecessary

impacts on the surrounding environment.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» To ensure appropriate management of actions by on-site personnel in order to minimise

impacts to the surrounding environment.


This EMPr and the Environmental Authorisation must be

included in all tender documentation and Contractors

contracts.

Developer Tender process

Contractors must use chemical toilets/ablution facilities

situated at designated areas of the site; no abluting

must be permitted outside the designated area. These

facilities must be regularly serviced by appropriate

contractors. Ablution facilities must not be placed

within 50m from any river, wetland or drainage line.

Contractor (and sub-

contractor/s)


Cooking must take place in a designated area. No Contractor (and sub- Duration of contract






firewood or kindling may be gathered from the site or

surrounds.

contractor/s)

All litter must be deposited in a clearly marked, closed,

animal-proof disposal bin in the construction area;

particular attention needs to be paid to food waste.


contractor/s)


No one other than the ECO or personnel authorised by

the ECO, will disturb flora or fauna outside of the

demarcated construction area/s.


contractor/s)


Performance

Indicator

» Compliance with specified conditions of Environmental Authorisation, EIA report and

EMPr;

» No complaints regarding contractor behaviour or habits; and

» Code of Conduct drafted before commencement of construction phase and briefing

session with construction workers held at outset of construction phase.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Observation and supervision of Contractor practices throughout construction phase.

» A complaints register must be maintained, in which any complaints from the community

are to be logged. Complaints must be investigated and, if appropriate, acted upon as

soon as possible.


OBJECTIVE 15 : To avoid and or minimise the potential risk of increased veld fires during the construction

phase.

Project component/s » wind turbines

» construction camp

Potential Impact » Fires can pose a personal safety risk to local farmers and communities, and their homes,

crops, livestock and farm infrastructure, such as gates and fences.

Activity/risk source » Contractors are not aware of the requirements of the EMPr, leading to unnecessary

impacts on the surrounding environment.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» To ensure appropriate management of actions by on-site personnel in order to minimise

impacts to the surrounding environment.


Ensure that open fires on the site for cooking or heating

are not allowed except in designated areas.


Provide adequate fire fighting equipment on-site. Contractor Construction

Provide fire-fighting training to selected construction

staff.


Compensate farmers / community members at full

market related replacement cost for any losses due to

the wind energy facility project, such as livestock,

damage to infrastructure etc.


Performance » Designated areas for fires identified on site at the outset of the construction phase.





Indicator » Fire fighting equipment and training provided before the construction phase

commences.

» Compensation claims settled after claim verified by independent party.

Monitoring » A complaints register must be maintained, in which any complaints from the community

are to be logged. Complaints must be investigated and, if appropriate, acted upon.


OBJECTIVE 16 : Traffic management and transportation of equipment and materials to site (Traffic

Management Plan)

The construction phase of the project will be the most significant in terms of generating traffic impacts

resulting from the transport of equipment (including turbine components) and materials and construction

crews to the site and the return of the vehicles after delivery of materials. Potential impacts associated

with transportation and access relate to works within the site boundary (i.e. the Wind Energy Facility and

ancillary infrastructure) and external works outside the site boundary.

Project component/s » Wind turbines;

» Substations; and

» Power lines.

Potential Impact » Traffic congestion, particularly on narrow roads or on road passes where overtaking is not

permitted;

» Risk of accidents; and

» Deterioration of road pavement conditions (i.e. both surfaced and gravel road) due to

abnormal loads.

Activity/risk source » Transportation of project components to site.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» To minimise impact of traffic associated with the construction of the facility on local

traffic; and

» To minimise potential for negative interaction between pedestrians or sensitive users and

traffic associated with the facility construction.


Develop and implement a transportation/traffic

management Plan.

Contractor,

(Transportation

sub-contractor)


All relevant permits for abnormal loads must be applied

for from the relevant authority.

Contractor,

(Transportation

sub-contractor)


A designated access (or accesses) to the proposed site

must be created to ensure safe entry and exit.


Appropriate road management strategies must be

Implemented on external and internal roads with all

employees and contractors required to abide by

standard road and safety procedures.

Contractor,

(Transportation

sub-contractor)


Any traffic delays because of construction traffic must

be co-ordinated with the appropriate authorities.







Signage must be established at appropriate points

warning of turning traffic and the construction site (all

signage to be in accordance with prescribed

standards).


Appropriate maintenance of all vehicles must be

ensured.


All vehicles travelling on public roads must adhere to

the specified speed limits and all drivers must be in

possession of an appropriate valid driver’s license.


Keep hard road surfaces as narrow as possible. Contractor Duration of contract

Performance

Indicator

» No traffic incidents involving Project personnel or appointed contractors;

» Appropriate signage in place; and

» No complaints resulting from traffic congestion, delays or driver negligence associated

with construction of the Wind Energy Facility.

Monitoring » Visual monitoring of dust produced by traffic movement;

» Visual monitoring of traffic control measures to ensure they are effective;

» A complaints register will be maintained, in which any complaints from the community

will be logged. Complaints will be investigated and, if appropriate, acted upon; and


OBJECTIVE 17 : Effective management of concrete batching plants

Concrete is required during the construction of a wind energy facility. In this regard there could be a need

to establish a batching plant within the site. Batching plants are facilities/installations that combine various

ingredients to form concrete. Some of these inputs include sand, water, aggregate (rocks, gravel, etc.), fly

ash, potash, and cement.

Turbid and highly alkaline wastewater, dust emissions and noise are the key potential impacts associated

with concrete batching plants. Concrete batching plants, cement, sand and aggregates can produce

dust. Potential pollutants in batching plant wastewater and stormwater include cement, sand,

aggregates, chemical additive mixtures, fuels and lubricants.

Project component/s » Concrete batching plant/s

Potential Impact » Dust emissions

» Release of contaminated water

» Generation of contaminated wastes from used chemical containers

» Inefficient use of resources resulting in excessive waste generation

Activity/risk source » Operation of the batching plant

» Packaging and other construction wastes

» Hydrocarbon use and storage

» Spoil material from excavation, earthworks and site preparation

Mitigation: » To ensure that the operation of the batching plant does not cause pollution to the





Target/Objective environment or harm to persons


Where possible concrete batching plants should be

sited such that impacts on the environment or the

amenity of the local community from noise, odour or

polluting emissions are minimised

Contractor Construction phase

The provision of natural or artificial wind barriers such as

trees, fences and landforms may help control the

emission of dust from the plant.


Where there is a regular movement of vehicles. Access

and exit routes for heavy transport vehicles should be

planned to minimise noise and dust impacts on the

environment


The concrete batching plant site should demonstrate

good maintenance practices, including regular

sweeping to prevent dust build-up


The prevailing wind direction should be considered to

ensure that bunkers and conveyors are sited in a

sheltered position to minimise the effects of the wind.


Aggregate material should be delivered in a damp

condition, and water sprays or a dust suppression

agent should be correctly applied to reduce dust

emissions and reduce water usage


Conveyors must be designed and constructed to

prevent fugitive dust emissions. This may include

covering the conveyor with a roof, installing side

protection barriers and equipping the conveyor with

spill trays, which direct material to a collection point.

Belt cleaning devices at the conveyor head may also

assist to reduce spillage.


The site should be designed and constructed such that

clean stormwater, including roof runoff, is diverted

away from contaminated areas and directed to the

stormwater discharge system.


Any liquids stored on site, including admixtures, fuels

and lubricants, should be stored in accordance with

applicable legislation


Contaminated stormwater and process wastewater

should be captured and recycled where possible. A

wastewater collection and recycling system should be

designed to collect contaminated water.


Process wastewater and contaminated stormwater

collected from the entire site should be diverted to a

settling pond, or series of ponds, such that the water

can be reused in the concrete batching process. The

settling pond or series of ponds should be lined with an

impervious liner capable of containing all







contaminants found within the water they are

designed to collect

Areas where spills of oils and chemicals may occur

should be equipped with easily accessible spill control

kits to assist in prompt and effective spill control


Ensure that all practicable steps are taken to minimise

the adverse effect that noise emissions. This

responsibility includes not only the noise emitted from

the plant and equipment but also associated noise

sources, such as radios, loudspeakers and alarms


Where possible, waste concrete should be used for

construction purposes at the batching plant or project

site.


The batching plant should be monitored by the ECO to

ensure that the plant is operating according to its

environmental objectives and within legislative

requirements.

ECO Construction phase

Performance

Indicator

» No complaints on dust

» No water or soil contamination by chemical spills

» No complaints received regarding waste on site or indiscriminate dumping

Monitoring » Observation and supervision of chemical storage and handling practices and vehicle

maintenance throughout construction phase


will be logged. Complaints will be investigated and, if appropriate, acted upon


will be logged. Complaints will be investigated and, if appropriate, acted upon

» An incident reporting system will be used to record non-conformances to the EMPr

» Developer or appointed ECO must monitor indicators listed above to ensure that they

have been met for the construction phase





5.4. Detailing Method Statements

OBJECTIVE 18 : Ensure all construction activities are undertaken with the appropriate level of environmental

awareness to minimise environmental risk

The environmental specifications are required to be underpinned by a series of Method Statements, within

which the Contractors and Service Providers are required to outline how any identified environmental risks

will practically be mitigated and managed for the duration of the contract, and how specifications within

this EMPr will be met. That is, the Contractor will be required to describe how specified requirements will be

achieved through the submission of written Method Statements to the Site Manager.

A Method Statement is defined as “a written submission by the Contractor in response to the

environmental specification or a request by the Site Manager, setting out the plant, materials, labour and

method the Contractor proposes using to conduct an activity, in such detail that the Site Manager is able

to assess whether the Contractor's proposal is in accordance with the Specifications and/or will produce

results in accordance with the Specifications”. The Method Statement must cover applicable details with

regard to:

» Details of the responsible person/s;

» Construction procedures;

» Materials and equipment to be used;

» Getting the equipment to and from site;

» How the equipment/material will be moved while on-site;

» How and where material will be stored;

» The containment (or action to be taken if containment is not possible) of leaks or spills of any liquid or

material that may occur;

» Timing and location of activities;

» Compliance/non-compliance with the Specifications; and

» Any other information deemed necessary by the Site Manager.

Method Statements must be compiled for all activities which affect any aspect of the environment and

should be applied consistently to all activities. Specific areas to be addressed in the method statement:

pre, during and post construction includes:

» Site establishment (which explains all activities from induction training to offloading, construction

sequence for site establishment and the different amenities and to be established etc. Including a site

camp plan indicating all of these).

» Preparation of the site (i.e. clearing vegetation, compacting soils and removing existing infrastructure

and waste).

» Soil management/stockpiling and erosion control.

» Excavations and backfilling procedure.

» Batching procedures

» Stipulate norms and standards for water supply and usage (i.e.: comply strictly to licence and

legislation requirements and restrictions)





» Stipulate the storm water management procedures recommended in the storm water management

method statement.

» Ablution facilities (placement, maintenance, management and servicing)

» Solid Waste Management:

∗ Description of the waste storage facilities (on site and accumulative).

∗ Placement of waste stored (on site and accumulative).

∗ Management and collection of waste process.

∗ Recycle, re-use and removal process and procedure.

» Liquid waste management:

∗ The design, establish, maintain and operate suitable pollution control facilities necessary to

prevent discharge of water containing polluting matter or visible suspended materials into rivers,

streams or existing drainage systems.

∗ Should grey water (i.e. water from basins, showers, baths, kitchen sinks etc.) need to be disposed

of, link into an existing facilities where possible. Where no facilities are available, grey water runoff

must be controlled to ensure there is no seepage into wetlands or natural watercourses.

» Dust and noise pollution

∗ Describe necessary measures to ensure that noise from construction activities is maintained within

lawfully acceptable levels.

∗ Procedure to control dust at all times on the site, access roads, borrow pits and spoil sites (dust

control shall be sufficient so as not to have significant impacts in terms of the biophysical and

social environments). These impacts include visual pollution, decreased safety due to reduced

visibility, negative effects on human health and the ecology due to dust particle accumulation.

» Hazardous substance storage (Ensure compliance with all national, regional and local legislation with

regard to the storage of oils, fuels, lubricants, solvents, wood treatments, bitumen, cement, pesticides

and any other harmful and hazardous substances and materials. South African National Standards

apply).

∗ Lists of all potentially hazardous substances to be used.

∗ Appropriate handling, storage and disposal procedures.

∗ Prevention protocol of accidental contamination of soil at storage and handling areas.

∗ All storage areas, (i.e.: for harmful substances appropriately bunded with a suitable collection

point for accidental spills must be implemented and drip trays underneath dispensing

mechanisms including leaking engines/machinery).

» Fire prevention and management measures on site.

» Fauna and flora protection process on and off site (i.e. removal to reintroduction or replanting, if

necessary).

∗ Rehabilitation and re-vegetation process.

» Incident and accident reporting protocol.

» General administration

» Designate access road and the protocol on while roads are in use.

» Requirements on gate control protocols.

The Contractor may not commence the activity covered by the Method Statement until it has been

approved by the Site Manager, except in the case of emergency activities and then only with the consent

of the Site Manager. Approval of the Method Statement will not absolve the Contractor from their

obligations or responsibilities in terms of their contract.





Failure to submit a method statement may result in suspension of the activity concerned until such time as

a method statement has been submitted and approved. The ECO must monitor the construction activities

to ensure that these are undertaken in accordance with the approved Method Statement.

5.5. Awareness and Competence: Construction Phase of the Wind Energy Facility

OBJECTIVE 19 : To ensure all construction personnel have the appropriate level of environmental

awareness and competence to ensure continued environmental due diligence and on-going

minimisation of environmental harm

To achieve effective environmental management, it is important that Contractors are aware of the

responsibilities in terms of the relevant environmental legislation and the contents of this EMPr. The

Contractor is responsible for informing employees and sub-contractors of their environmental obligations in

terms of the environmental specifications, and for ensuring that employees are adequately experienced

and properly trained in order to execute the works in a manner that will minimise environmental impacts.

The Contractors obligations in this regard include the following:

» Employees must have a basic understanding of the key environmental features of the construction site

and the surrounding environment.

» Ensuring that a copy of the EMPr is readily available on-site, and that all site staff are aware of the

location and have access to the document.

» Employees will be familiar with the requirements of the EMPr and the environmental specifications as

they apply to the construction of the facility.

» Employees must undergo training for the operation and maintenance activities associated with a wind

energy facility and have a basic knowledge of the potential environmental impacts that could occur

and how they can be minimised and mitigated.

» Ensuring that, prior to commencing any site works, all employees and sub-contractors have attended

an Environmental Awareness Training course which can be done by the contractors environmental

representative or the ECO.

» The course should be sufficient to provide the site staff with an appreciation of the project's

environmental requirements, and how they are to be implemented.

» Awareness of any other environmental matters, which are deemed to be necessary by the ECO.

» Ensuring that employee information posters, outlining the environmental “do’s” and “don’ts” (as per

the environmental awareness training course) are erected at prominent locations throughout the site.

» Ensure that construction workers have received basic training in environmental management,

including the storage and handling of hazardous substances, minimisation of disturbance to sensitive

areas, management of waste, and prevention of water pollution.

» Records must be kept of those that have completed the relevant training.

» Training should be done either in a written or verbal format but must be in an appropriate format for

the receiving audience.

» Refresher sessions must be held to ensure the contractor staff are aware of their environmental

obligations as practically possible.





5.6. Monitoring Programme: Construction Phase of the Wind Energy Facility

OBJECTIVE 20 : To monitor the performance of the control strategies employed against environmental

objectives and standards

An environmental monitoring programme should be developed and implemented not only to ensure

conformance with the EMPr, but also to monitor any environmental issues and impacts which have not

been accounted for in the EMPr that are, or could result in significant environmental impacts for which

corrective action is required. The period and frequency of environmental monitoring will most likely be

stipulated by the Environmental Authorisation.

The aim of the monitoring and auditing process would be to routinely monitor the implementation of the

specified environmental specifications, in order to:

» Monitor and audit compliance with the prescriptive and procedural terms of the environmental

specifications;

» Ensure adequate and appropriate interventions to address non-compliance;

» Ensure adequate and appropriate interventions to address environmental degradation;

» Provide a mechanism for the lodging and resolution of public complaints;

» Ensure appropriate and adequate record keeping related to environmental compliance;

» Determine the effectiveness of the environmental specifications and recommend the requisite

changes and updates based on audit outcomes, in order to enhance the efficacy of environmental

management on site; and

» Aid communication and feedback to authorities and stakeholders.

The Environmental Control Officer (ECO) will ensure compliance with the EMPr during construction, and will

conduct monitoring activities on a regular basis. An independent ECO must be appointed, and have the

appropriate experience and qualifications to undertake the necessary tasks. The ECO will report any non-

compliance or where corrective action is necessary to the Site Manager, DEA and/or any other monitoring

body stipulated by the regulating authorities.




Management Programme: Rehabilitation Page 71

CHAPTER 6: MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE WIND ENERGY FACILITY: REHABILITATION

OF DISTURBED AREAS

6.1. Overall Goal for the Rehabilitation of Disturbed Areas

Overall Goal for the Rehabilitation of Disturbed Areas: Undertake the rehabilitation measures in a way that:

» Ensures rehabilitation of disturbed areas following the execution of the works, such that residual

environmental impacts are remediated or curtailed.

In order to meet this goal, the following objective, actions and monitoring requirements are relevant:

OBJECTIVE 21 : To ensure rehabilitation of disturbed areas

Areas requiring rehabilitation will include all areas disturbed during the construction phase and that are not

required for regular maintenance operations.


» wind energy facility (including temporary access roads and laydown areas);

» power line servitude and service road for power line servitude;

» substation; and

» temporary laydown areas.

Potential Impact » Environmental integrity of site undermined resulting in reduced visual aesthetics, erosion,

compromised land capability and the requirement for on-going management

intervention.

Activity/risk source » Temporary laydown areas;

» Temporary access roads/tracks; and

» Other disturbed areas/footprints.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» To ensure and encourage site rehabilitation of disturbed areas; and

» To ensure that the site is appropriately rehabilitated following the execution of the works,

such that residual environmental impacts (including erosion) are remediated or curtailed.


A site rehabilitation programme must be compiled and

implemented.

Contractor in

consultation with

Specialist


All temporary facilities, equipment and waste materials

must be removed from site and appropriately disposed

of.

Contractor Following execution of the works.

All temporary fencing and danger tape should be

removed once the construction phase has been

completed.

Contractor Following completion of

construction activities in an area.

Necessary drainage works and anti-erosion measures

must be installed, where required, to minimise loss of

topsoil and control erosion.

Contractor Following completion of





Management Programme: Rehabilitation Page 72


Disturbed areas must be rehabilitated/re-vegetated

with appropriate natural vegetation and/or local seed

mix. Re-use native/indigenous plant species removed

from disturbance areas in the rehabilitation phase.

Contractor in

consultation with

rehabilitation specialist

Following completion of


Re-vegetated areas may have to be protected from

wind erosion and maintained until an acceptable plant

cover has been achieved.

Developer in

consultation with


Post-rehabilitation

On-going alien plant monitoring and removal should be

undertaken on all areas of natural vegetation on an

annual basis.

Developer in

consultation with


Post-rehabilitation

Performance

Indicator

» All portions of site, including construction camp and working areas, cleared of equipment

and temporary facilities;

» Topsoil replaced on all areas and stabilised;

» Disturbed areas rehabilitated and at least 50% plant cover achieved on rehabilitated sites;

and

» Closed site free of erosion and alien invasive plants.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» On-going inspection of rehabilitated areas in order to determine effectiveness of

rehabilitation measures implemented.

» On-going alien plant monitoring and removal should be undertaken on an annual basis.





Management Programme: Operation Page 73

CHAPTER 7: MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE WIND ENERGY FACILITY: OPERATION

Formal responsibilities are necessary to ensure that key procedures are executed. Specific responsibilities

of wind energy facility’s Operations Manager, and Environmental Manager for the operation phase of this

project are detailed below.

The Power Station Manager must:

» Ensure that adequate resources (human, financial, technology) are made available and

appropriately managed for the successful implementation of the operational EMPr.

» Conduct annual basis reviews of the EMPr to evaluate its effectiveness.

» Take appropriate action as a result of findings and recommendations in management reviews and

audits.

» Provide forums to communicate matters regarding environmental management.

The Environmental Manager must:

» Develop and Implement an Environmental Management System (EMS) for the wind energy facility and

associated infrastructure.

» Manage and report on the facility’s environmental performance.

» Maintain a register of all known environmental impacts and manage the monitoring thereof.

» Conduct internal environmental audits and co-ordinate external environmental audits.

» Liaise with statutory bodies such as the National and Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs

(DEA) on environmental performance and other issues.

» Conduct environmental training and awareness for the employees who operate and maintain the

wind energy facility.

» Compile environmental policies and procedures.

» Liaise with interested and affected parties on environmental issues of common concern.

» Track and control the lodging of any complaints regarding environmental matters.

7.1. Overall Goal for Operation

Overall Goal for Operation: To ensure that the operation of the wind energy facility does not have

unforeseen impacts on the environment and to ensure that all impacts are monitored and the necessary

corrective action taken in all cases. In order to address this goal, it is necessary to operate the wind

energy facility in a way that ensures that operation activities are properly managed in respect of

environmental aspects and impacts and enables the wind energy facility operation activities to be

undertaken without significant disruption to other land uses in the area, in particular with regard to noise

impacts, farming practices, traffic and road use, and effects on local residents as well as minimising

impacts on birds and other fauna using the site.





7.2. Objectives

In order to meet this goal, the following objectives have been identified, together with necessary actions

and monitoring requirements.

OBJECTIVE 22 : Securing the site

Safety issues may arise with public access to wind turbines (e.g. unauthorised entry to the site) or to the

wind farm substation. Prevention and control measures to manage public access are therefore important.


» wind energy facility development footprint;

» access roads;

» substation;

» power line; and

» Operations and service building.

Potential Impact » Hazards to landowners and public

Activities/risk sources » Uncontrolled access to the wind energy facility and associated infrastructure.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» To secure the site against unauthorised entry; and

» To protect members of the public/landowners/residents.


Where necessary to control access, fence and secure

access to the site and entrances to the site.

Contractor Operation

Post information boards about public safety hazards and

emergency contact information.


Performance

Indicator

» Site is secure and there is no unauthorised entry; and

» No members of the public/ landowners injured.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Regular visual inspection of fence for signs of deterioration/forced access



OBJECTIVE 23 : Protection of indigenous natural vegetation, fauna and maintenance of rehabilitation

Indirect impacts on vegetation and terrestrial fauna during operation could result from maintenance

activities and the movement of people and vehicles on site. In order to ensure the long-term

environmental integrity of the site following construction, maintenance of the areas rehabilitated post-

construction must be undertaken until these areas have successfully re-established.

Project component/s » Route of the security team.

» Areas disturbed during the construction phase and subsequently rehabilitated at its





completion.

Potential Impact » Disturbance to or loss of vegetation and/or habitat.

» Environmental integrity of site undermined resulting in reduced visual aesthetics, erosion,

compromised land capability and the requirement for on-going management

intervention.

Activity/Risk Source » Movement of employee vehicles within and around site.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» Maintain minimised footprints of disturbance of vegetation/habitats on-site.

» Ensure and encourage plant regrowth in non-operational areas of post-construction

rehabilitation.

Mitigation: Action/Control Responsibility Timeframe

Vehicle movements must be restricted to designated

roadways.


Existing roads must be maintained to ensure limited

erosion and impact on areas adjacent to roadways.


An on-going alien plant monitoring and eradication

programme must be implemented, where necessary.


A botanist familiar with the vegetation of the area

should monitor the rehabilitation success and alien plant

removal on an annual basis.

Contractor/Specialist Annual monitoring until

successful re-establishment of

vegetation in an area

Performance

Indicator

» No further disturbance to vegetation or terrestrial faunal habitats.

» Continued improvement of rehabilitation efforts.

Monitoring » Observation of vegetation on-site by environmental manager.

» Regular inspections to monitor plant regrowth/performance of rehabilitation efforts and

weed infestation compared to natural/undisturbed areas.

OBJECTIVE 24 : Protection of avifauna and priority bird species

During operation of the facility, the threat of collision of birds with the turbine blades and overhead power

lines is considered to be of moderate to low significance for this facility. Four seasons of bird monitoring

has been conducted and turbines have been removed from high risk areas. However, the real extent of

this threat is not currently well understood within the South African context due to the limited numbers of

wind turbines in South Africa with which bird interactions have been monitored. Bird monitoring must be

undertaken during the operation of the facility. A proposed bird monitoring programme for the

operational phase is attached to Appendix D.


» wind energy facility (turbines);

» power lines ; and

» Substation.

Potential Impact » Disturbance to or loss of birds as a result of collision with the turbine blades;

» Electrocution and collision with the power lines;

Activity/risk source » Spinning turbine blades;





» Unmarked overhead power lines; and

» Substation.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» More accurately determine the impact of the operating wind energy facility on priority

bird species; and

» Minimise impacts associated with the turbines, power lines and substation.


Some mitigation options that can be employed if

monitoring reveals significant numbers of collisions.

Mitigation measures should be considered in detail at

that time, if needs be.

Project Company

Environmental Manager

Suitably qualified

specialist

Operation

An operational phase monitoring programme must be

implemented to survey bird movements in relation to

the wind energy facility and fully document collision and

electrocution casualties with the turbines and

associated power lines.

Project Company

Environmental Manager

Suitably qualified

specialist

Operation

Review bird monitoring report on the full year of

operational bird monitoring, and integrate findings into

operational EMPr and broader mitigation scheme.

Suitably qualified

person/ advising

specialist/ in

consultation with

Developer

1 year post-construction

Performance

Indicator

» Limit additional disturbance to bird populations on the wind energy facility site.

» Continued improvement of bird protection devices, if any.

» Regular provision of clearly worded, logical and objective information on the interface

between the local avifauna and the proposed/ operating wind energy facility.

» Clear and logical recommendations on why, how and when to institute mitigation

measures to reduce avian impacts of the development, from pre-construction to

operational phase.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Observation of avifaunal populations and incidence of injuries/death from collisions from

turbine blades.

» Environmental manager to monitor turbine field for fatalities.

» Review of bird monitoring report on the full year of post-construction monitoring

OBJECTIVE 25 : Protection of Bats

Bats have been found to be particularly vulnerable to being killed by wind turbines. Pre-construction bat

monitoring has been completed for all 4 seasons for the project development site. A proposed bat

monitoring programme for the operational phase is attached to Appendix E.

Project component/s List of project components affecting the objective

» access roads;

» substation; and

» wind turbines.

Potential Impact » Bat mortality and destruction of habitat / roosts.





Activity/risk source » Wind turbine placement

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» Reduce impacts on bat species


Implement a bat monitoring programme during the

operational phase of the wind energy facility.

Project Company Operational Phase

Implement any feasible mitigation measures for bats

based on the operational phase bat monitoring if

required. Further mitigation options that may be

utilized include curtailment, blade feathering, blade

lock, acoustic deterrents or light lures.

Project Company and

Contractor and

specialist

Operational Phase

Currently the most effective method of mitigation,

after correct turbine placement, is alteration of blade

speeds and cut-in speeds under environmental

conditions favourable to bats.

A basic "4 levels of mitigation" (by blade manipulation

or curtailment), from light to aggressive mitigation:

1. No curtailment (free-wheeling is unhindered

below manufacturers cut in speed so all

momentum is retained, thus normal

operation).

2. 90 Degree feathering of blades below

manufacturers cut-in speed so it is exactly

parallel to the wind direction as to minimize

free-wheeling blade rotation as much as

possible without locking the blades.

3. 90 Degree feathering of blades below

mitigation cut in conditions.

4. 90 Degree feathering throughout the entire

night.

Preliminarily, it is recommended that curtailment

mitigation initiates at Level 1 then depending on the

results of the post construction mortality monitoring,

which must be initiated when the first turbine is

turning, the mitigation can be intensified up to a

maximum intensity of Level 4 should it be necessary

based on post construction monitoring. This is an

adaptive mitigation management approach that will

require changes in the mitigation plan to be

implemented immediately and in real time during the

post construction monitoring.

Project Company and

Contractor and

specialist

Operational Phase

Performance

Indicator

» No additional disturbance to bat populations on the wind energy facility site.

» Continued improvement of bat protection devices, if any.

» Regular provision of clearly worded, logical and objective information on the interface

between the bat populations and the proposed/ operating wind energy facility.

» Clear and logical recommendations on why, how and when to institute mitigation

measures to reduce bat impacts of the development, from pre-construction to





operational phase.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Environmental manager to monitor turbine field for fatalities.

OBJECTIVE 26 : Minimisation of visual impact – lighting

The primary visual impact, namely the appearance and dimensions of the wind energy facility (mainly the

wind turbines) is not possible to mitigate to any significant extent within this landscape. The functional

design of the structures and the dimensions of the facility cannot be changed in order to reduce visual

impacts. Alternative colour schemes (i.e. painting the turbines sky-blue, grey or darker shades of white)

are not permissible as the CAA's Marking of Obstacles expressly states, "Wind turbines shall be painted

white to provide the maximum daytime conspicuousness". Failure to adhere to the prescribed colour

specifications will result in the fitting of supplementary daytime lighting to the wind turbines, once again

aggravating the visual impact. The potential for mitigation is therefore low or non-existent.

Another source of glare light, albeit not as intense as flood lighting, is the aircraft warning lights mounted

on top of the hub of the wind turbines. These lights are less aggravating due to the toned-down red

colour, but have the potential to be visible from a great distance. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

prescribes these warning lights and the potential to mitigate their visual impacts is low. Indications are that

the facility may not be required to fit a light to each turbine, but rather place synchronous flashing lights on

the turbines representing the outer perimeter of the facility. In this manner less warning lights can be

utilised to delineate the facility as one large obstruction, thereby lessoning the potential visual impact. The

regulations for the CAA's Marking of Obstacles should be strictly adhered too, as the failure of complying

with these guidelines may result in the developer being required to fit additional light fixtures at closer

intervals thereby aggravating the visual impact.

The mitigation of secondary visual impacts, such as security and functional lighting, construction activities,

etc. may be possible and should be implemented and maintained on an on-going basis. The operational,

security and safety lighting fixtures of the proposed wind energy facility will have some impact on

telescopic observations from the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), located 35km to the north east

of the site, on the plateau. The SALT relies on keeping ambient lighting levels to a minimum in order to

maximise its operational potential.


» Wind energy facility (including access roads);

» Power lines; and

» Substation.

Potential Impact » Risk to aircraft in terms of the potential for collision; and

» Enhanced visual intrusion.

Activity/risk source » Substation and associated lighting; and

» Wind turbines and other infrastructure.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» To minimise potential for visual impact;

» To ensure that the facility complies with Civil Aviation Authority requirements for turbine

visibility to aircraft;





» Minimise contrast with surrounding environment and visibility of the turbines to humans;

and

» The containment of light emitted from the substation in order to eliminate the risk of

additional night-time visual impacts.


Aviation warning lights must be mounted on turbine hub or

such measures required by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Indications are that the facility may not be required to fit a

light to each turbine, but rather place synchronous flashing

lights on the turbines representing the outer perimeter of the

facility.

Contractor and

Turbine supplier,

instructed by

Project Company


Maintain the general appearance of the facility in an

aesthetically pleasing way.

Contractor Operation and maintenance

Ensure that proper planning is undertaken regarding the

placement of lighting structures for the substation and that

light fixtures only illuminate areas inside the substation site.


Undertake regular maintenance of light fixtures. Contractor Operation and maintenance

Performance

Indicator

» Appropriate visibility of infrastructure to aircraft.

» The effective containment of the light to the substation sites.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Ensure that aviation warning lights or other measures are installed before construction is

completed and are fully functional at all times.

» The monitoring of the condition and functioning of the light fixtures during the

operational phase of the project.

OBJECTIVE 27 : Minimisation of noise impacts from turbines

From the results of the EIA studies undertaken, noise impacts associated with the wind energy facility are

expected to be of low significance. However, mitigation measures are proposed in order to further reduce

any potential for noise impact. The rating level in the area for the wind energy facility is likely to be 35 dBA

at night. That would also be the “lower limit”. Due to the limited noise receptors in and around the site (as

identified in the noise impact assessment report), noise from the turbine is unlikely to negatively affect any

residents in the broader study area.


» Wind energy facility (including access roads).

Potential Impact » Increased noise levels at potentially sensitive receptors;

» Changing ambient sound levels could change the acceptable land use capability; and

» Disturbing character of sound.

Activity/risk source » Wind turbines

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» Ensure that the change in ambient sound levels (measured in LAeq) as experienced by

Potentially Sensitive Receptors is less than 5 dBA; (change from the measured and

calculated ambient sound levels for the corresponding wind speed);





» Prevent the generation of disturbing noise from the wind turbines; and

» Ensure acceptable noise levels at surrounding stakeholders and potentially sensitive

receptors


Design and implement a noise monitoring programme for

the operational phase if required. Define the ambient

sound levels in 10 minute bins over a period of at least 7

days before the operational phase starts inside. 10 minute

sampling bins should be co-ordinated with 10 m wind speed.

Project Company /

Acoustical

Consultant /

Approved Noise

Inspection Authority

To be determined by Project

Company

If required, additional noise monitoring points at a

complainant that registered a valid and reasonable noise

complaint relating to the operation of the facility

Project Company /

Acoustical

Consultant /

Approved Noise


To be determined on a case-

by-case basis

A Noise Monitoring Programme should be designed by an

acoustic consultant after discussions with the project

developer and considering the comments from surrounding

stakeholders if required. This may involve routine or response

measurements. Measurements is to take place over a period

of 24 hours in 10 minute bins, with the resulting data co-

ordinated with wind speeds as measured at a 10 meter

height. These samples should be collected when the Wind

Turbines are operational. Monitoring is recommended for the

first year, as well as any other NSDs that have complained to

the developer regarding noise originating from the facility

during it operation.

Acoustical

Consultant /

Approved Noise


To be determined by Project

Company

Performance

Indicator

» Ensure that the change in ambient sound levels (LAeq) as experienced by Potentially

Sensitive Receptors is less than 7 dBA.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Noise monitoring programme to be developed and implemented at the start of

operation.

OBJECTIVE 28 : Appropriate handling and management of hazardous substances and waste

The operation of the wind energy facility will involve the generation of limited waste products. The main

wastes expected to be generated by the operation activities includes general solid waste and hazardous

waste.


» wind turbines;

» power line; and

» substation.

Potential Impact » Inefficient use of resources resulting in excessive waste generation; and

» Litter or contamination of the site or water through poor waste management practices.

Activity/risk source » Generators and gearbox – turbines;





» Transformers and switchgear – substation; and

» Fuel and oil storage.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» To comply with waste management legislation;

» To minimise production of waste;

» To ensure appropriate waste disposal; and

» To avoid environmental harm from waste disposal.


Hazardous substances must be stored in sealed

containers within a clearly demarcated designated

area.


Storage areas for hazardous substances must be

appropriately sealed and bunded.


All structures and/or components replaced during

maintenance activities must be appropriately disposed

of at an appropriately licensed waste disposal site or

sold to a recycling merchant for recycling.


Care must be taken to ensure that spillage of oils and

other hazardous substances are limited during

maintenance. Handling of these materials should take

place within an appropriately sealed and bunded area.

Should any accidental spillage take place, it must be

cleaned up according to specified standards regarding

bioremediation.


Waste handling, collection and disposal operations must

be managed and controlled by a waste management

contractor.

Contractor / waste

management

contractor

Operation

Used oils and chemicals:

» Where these cannot be recycled, appropriate

disposal must be arranged with a licensed facility in

consultation with the administering authority.

» Waste must be stored and handled according to

the relevant legislation and regulations.


General waste must be recycled where possible or

disposed of at an appropriately licensed landfill.


Hazardous waste (including hydrocarbons) and general

waste must be stored and disposed of separately.


Disposal of waste must be in accordance with relevant

legislative requirements, including the use of licensed

contractors.


No waste may be burned or buried on site. Contractor Operation

Performance

Indicator

» No complaints received regarding waste on site or dumping;

» Internal site audits identifying that waste segregation, recycling and reuse is occurring

appropriately;

» Provision of all appropriate waste manifests; and

» No contamination of soil or water.

Monitoring and » Waste collection must be monitored on a regular basis·.





Reporting » Waste documentation must be completed and available for inspection on request;

» An incidents/complaints register must be maintained, in which any complaints from the

community must be logged. Complaints must be investigated and, if appropriate,

acted upon; and

» Regular reports on exact quantities of all waste streams exiting the site must be compiled

by the waste management contractor and monitored by the environmental manager.

All appropriate waste disposal certificates must accompany the monthly reports.

OBJECTIVE 29 : Maximise local employment and business opportunities during operation

A limited number of permanent employment opportunities will be created during the operational phase of

the project. The operational phase is expected to last for 20 years.


» Wind energy facility; and

» Day to day operational activities associated with the wind energy facility including

maintenance etc.

Potential Impact » The opportunities and benefits associated with the creation of local employment and

business should be maximised.

Activity/risk source » The operational phase of the wind energy facility will create permanent employment

opportunities.

» The establishment of a wind energy facility has the potential to create and attraction for

visitors to the area. The development also has the potential to promote the benefits of

renewable energy projects.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» Create medium- to long-term full time employment for locals.


Identify local members of the community who are

suitably qualified or who have the potential to be

employed full time.

Contractor Identify members during

construction

Develop a training and skills transfer programme for the

operational phase for local personnel.

Contractor Operations

Performance

Indicator

» Public exposure to the project.

» Meeting with Local Municipality.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Indicators listed above must be met for the operational phase.

OBJECTIVE 30 : Ensure the implementation of an appropriate fire management plan during the operation

phase

The vegetation in the study area may be at risk of fire. The increased presence of people on the site could

increase the risk of veld fires, particularly in the dry season.





Project Component/s » Operation and maintenance of the wind energy facility and associated infrastructure.

Potential Impact » Veld fires can pose a personal safety risk to local farmers and communities, and their

homes, crops, livestock and farm infrastructure, such as gates and fences. In addition,

fire can pose a very minor risk to the wind energy facility infrastructure.

Activities/Risk

Sources

» The presence of operation and maintenance personnel and their activities on the site

can increase the risk of veld fires.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» To avoid and or minimise the potential risk of veld fires on local communities and their

livelihoods.


Provide adequate fire fighting equipment on site. Contractor Operation

Provide fire-fighting training to selected operation and

maintenance staff.

Contractor

Ensure that appropriate communication channels are

established to be implemented in the event of a fire.


Fire breaks should be established where and when

required. Cognisance must be taken of the relevant

legislation when planning and burning firebreaks (in terms

of timing, etc.). Access roads may also act as fire breaks.


Upon completion of the construction phase, an

emergency evacuation plan must be drawn up to ensure

the safety of the staff and surrounding land users in the

case of an emergency.


Contact details of emergency services should be

prominently displayed on site.


Performance

Indicator

» Fire fighting equipment and training provided before the construction phase

commences.

» Appropriate fire breaks in place.

Monitoring and

Reporting

» Developer must monitor indicators listed above to ensure that they have been met.

OBJECTIVE 31 : Minimise the potential negative impact on farming activities and on the surrounding

landowners

Once operational, the negative impact on the daily living and movement patterns of neighbouring

residents is expected to be minimal and intermittent (i.e. the increase in traffic to and from site, possible

dust creation of vehicle movement on gravel roads on site and possible increase in criminal activities). The

number of workers on site on a daily basis is anticipated to have minimal negative social impacts in this

regard.

Some positive impacts will be experienced with farmers gaining more access to land through the high

quality site roads. Farmers involved with the project will also receive income which can be invested into

farming activities. Once construction is completed, negative impacts on farming activities on the site must

be limited as far as possible.





Project Component/s » Possible negative impacts of activities undertaken on site on the activities of surrounding

property owners; and

» Impact on farming activities on site.

Potential Impact » Limited intrusion impact on surrounding land owners; and

» Interference with farming activities on site.

Activities/Risk

Sources

» Increase in traffic to and from site could affect daily living and movement patterns of

surrounding residents, and

» Operational activities on site could interfere with farming activities of landowner.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» Effective management of the facility;

» Mitigation of intrusion impacts on property owners; and

» Mitigation of impact on farming activities.


Effective management of the facility and

accommodation facility to avoid any environmental

pollution focusing on water, waste and sanitation

infrastructure and services.


Vehicle movement to and from the site should be

minimised as far as possible.

Contractor &

Employees

Operation

Local roads should be maintained to keep the road

surface up to a reasonable standard.


Limit the development of new access roads on site. Contractor Operation

Ensure on-going communication with the landowners of

the site in order to ensure minimal impact on farming

activities.

Project Company

and Contractor

Operation

Performance

Indicator

» No environmental pollution occurs (i.e. waste, water and sanitation);

» No intrusion on private properties and on the activities undertaken on the surrounding

properties; and

» Continuation of farming activities on site.

Monitoring and

reporting

» Developer should be able to demonstrate that facility is well managed without

environmental pollution and that the above requirements have been met.




Management Programme: Decommissioning Page 85

CHAPTER 8: MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE WIND ENERGY FACILITY: DECOMMISSIONING

The turbine infrastructures which will be utilised for the proposed wind energy facility are expected to have

a lifespan of 20 years (with maintenance). Equipment associated with this facility would only be

decommissioned once it has reached the end of its economic life. Should the activity ever cease or

become redundant, the applicant shall undertake the required actions as prescribed by legislation at the

time and comply with all relevant legal requirements administered at any relevant and competent

authority at that time.

8.1. Site Preparation

Site preparation activities will include confirming the integrity of the access to the site to accommodate

required abnormal load equipment and lifting cranes, preparation of the site (e.g. lay down areas,

construction platform) and the mobilisation of construction equipment.

8.2 Disassemble Turbines

A large crane will be brought on site. It will be used to disassemble the turbine and tower sections. These

components will be reused, recycled or disposed of in accordance with regulatory requirements (NEMA /

NEM:WA). All parts of the turbine would be considered reusable or recyclable except for the blades.

OBJECTIVE 32 OBJECTIVE: To avoid and or minimise the potential environmental and social impacts

associated with the decommissioning phase

Project component/s » wind turbines

» substation

» power lines

Potential Impact » Impacts on people, flora, fauna, soils etc.

Activity/risk source » Decommissioning of the Wind Energy Facility.

Mitigation:

Target/Objective

» To avoid and or minimise the potential social impacts associated with

decommissioning phase of the Wind Energy Facility.


Retrenchments should comply with South African Labour

legislation of the day.

Contractor Decommissioning.

Project Company must ensure that all relevant regulations,

national and local legislation are adhered to and that the

relevant authorities are informed and involved in the process as

much as possible.

Project Company Decommissioning

Rehabilitation should start immediately after decommissioning is

completed.

Contractor Decommissioning






Re-vegetation specifications to be developed. Contractor Decommissioning

All excavations must be rehabilitated with soil and topsoil, which

should not contain invasive plant species (in compliance with the

CARA, as amended), to the satisfaction of the ECO.


All building materials must be removed from the site. All

compacted surfaces must be ripped and re-vegetated as per the

re-vegetation specifications.


The most suitable seed mix for disturbed areas to be used in

rehabilitation would include indigenous species.


Rehabilitation to be conducted in a progressive manner (i.e. once

decommissioning in an area has been completed the area will be

rehabilitated). The rehabilitation of the area with indigenous

vegetation must coincide with the rainfall events and all alien

invasive vegetation shall be removed.


Rehabilitation measures for the site are to include the following:

» Re-contouring

Subsoil stockpiles should be used to re-contour construction

affected areas. The Contractor shall restore the profile, soil

condition and landform to as close as possible state to the pre-

construction state.

» Scarification and ripping

All areas where rehabilitation interventions are required shall be

cross-ripped before topsoil placement. Topsoil and fertile soil shall

be uniformly scarified to allow for vegetation growth

» Fertilising

The Contractor shall be required to perform soil analysis tests on

the top 75mm of prepared surface prior to re-vegetation/seeding

to determine the required fertiliser levels for permanent cover.

» Seed acquisition

The Contractor shall purchase seed from a South African National

Seed Organisation (SANSOR) accredited dealer. Seed used for

rehabilitation shall not be older than one season. Purchased seed

must be of the correct species and of known origin, dried and

packed, conforming to all legal requirements for seed. Proof of

compliance must be provided to Developer prior

decommissioning of works.

Project Company and

Contractor

Decommissioning

The Contractor shall schedule works for placing of topsoil once all

infrastructure has been successfully decommissioned. Seeding

can then take place after the first rains of the season and should

be concluded by one month before the end of the growing

season.

Contractor

Decommissioning

The seed mix for use in rehabilitation must be an approved mix of

indigenous grass species common to the area.

Contractor

Decommissioning

The Contractor shall maintain rehabilitated areas free of weeds

and invader plants until the end of the Defects Notification Period

Contractor

Decommissioning






applicable to rehabilitation. Control of weeds and invader plants

must be done in accordance with the specifications stipulated in

the CARA.

The Contractor shall be responsible for the prevention of erosion in

areas impacted upon by their activities. All erosion repairs must

be implemented at the first signs thereof and no erosion shall be

allowed to develop on a large scale.

Contractor

Decommissioning

All recyclable rubble and solid waste (e.g. scrap metal, cables,

bottles, cans, and plastic residues) shall be collected and

disposed of through a registered recycling company. Waste

manifests will be kept by the Contractor and shown to the ECO

on request.

All non-recyclable rubble and solid waste shall be collected and

disposed of at an approved waste disposal site. Waste manifests

will be shown to the ECO on request.

Contractor

Decommissioning

Performance Indicator » South African Labour legislation at the relevant time; and

» Successful re-vegetation and rehabilitation of the site

Monitoring Monitoring of Rehabilitation by ECO b& Rehabilitation Close-Out Report.





CHAPTER 9: FINALISATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

The EMPr is a dynamic document, which must be updated when required. It is considered critical that this

draft EMPr be updated to include site-specific information and specifications following the final walk-

through surveys (flora, fauna, avifauna, bats, and heritage) and site development footprint, including the

access roads and power line routes . This will ensure that the construction and operation activities are

planned and implemented taking sensitive environmental features into account.

APPENDIX I(A):

EROSION MANAGEMENT PLAN

Great Karoo Wind Energy Facility Project July 2019

Erosion Management Plan Page 1

PRINCIPLES FOR EROSION MANAGEMENT

1. Purpose

An Erosion Management Plan addresses the management and mitigation of significant impacts relating to

soil erosion. The objective of the plan is to provide:

» A general framework for erosion management, which enables the contractor to identify areas where

erosion can be accelerated from their action; and

» An outline of general methods to monitor, manage and rehabilitate erosion in ensuring that all erosion

caused by this development is addresses.

2. Legislation and Standards

Soil conservation pertaining to erosion has been a topic within legislation form the 1930’s till today in South

Africa. Internationally, standards have been set by the International Finance Corporation and the World

Bank to address soil erosion in construction and decommissioning of areas. Therefore this document will

ensure that the developer meets the South African legislative requirements and the IFC standards with

regards to monitoring, managing and rehabilitating soil erosion on the wind energy facility site.

Relevant legislation:

» Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act No 43 of 1983;

» Environmental Conservation Act No 73 of 1989;

» National Forestry Act No 84 of 1998;

» National Environmental Management Act No 107 of 1998; and

» The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, February 2005. Environmental Best Practice

Specifications: Construction Integrated Environmental Management Sub-Series No. IEMS 1.6. Third

Edition. Pretoria.

3. Areas with a high soil erodability potential

The following areas are generally associated with high soil erodibility potential:

» Any areas without vegetation cover;

» Excavated areas;

» Steep areas;

» Areas where the soil has already been degraded ;

» Dispersive, duplexed soil areas;

» Areas with fine grained soil material with a low porosity;

» Areas which undergo overland flow of water;

» Areas close to water;

» Irrigated areas;



» Compacted areas;

» Rivers;

» Drainage lines;

» Any areas where developments cause water flow to accelerate on a soil surface; and

» Coarsely gravelly covered surfaces.

4. Precautionary management activities to avoid erosion

In the assessment process the ECO and the contractor must assess all:

» Infrastructure and equipment placements and function to ensure that the infrastructure or equipment

is not causing accelerating soil erosion on the site.

» Construction activities to ensure that no erosion indicators are forming as a result of the construction

activities.

5. Monitoring

5.1. General Erosion

The ECO must assess the site for erosion indicators in the monitoring process, which include:

» Bare soil;

» Desiccation cracks;

» Terracettes;

» Sheet erosion;

» Rill erosion (small erosion features with the same properties and characteristics as gullies);

» Hammocking (Soil build-up);

» Pedestalling (Exposing plant roots);

» Erosion pavements;

» Gullies; and

» Evidence of Dispersive soils.

In the assessment process, the ECO and the contractor must assess all:

» Infrastructure and equipment placements and function to ensure that the infrastructure or equipment

is not causing accelerated soil erosion on the site.

» Construction activities to ensure that no erosion indicators are forming as a result of the construction

activities.

If any activities or placement of equipment cause pooling on the site, degrade the vegetation, result in

removal of the surface or subsurface soil horizons, create compacted surfaces with steep gradients, or

minimise runoff areas, the erosion potential on the site will increase.

If any erosion features start forming or are present as a result of the activities mentioned above the ECO

must:



» Assess the situation;

» Take photographs of the soil degradation;

» Determine the cause of the soil erosion;

» Inform and show the relevant contractors the soil degradation;

» Inform the contractor that rehabilitation must take place and that the contractor is to implement a

rehabilitation method statement and management plan;

» Monitor that the contractor is taking action to stop the erosion and assist them where needed;

» Report and monitor the progress of the rehabilitation weekly and recorded all the findings in a site

dialy; and

» All actions with regards to the incidents must be recorded in a monthly compliance report which will

be submitted to the department.

The contractor/ developer (with the ECO’s consultation) must:

» Select a system to treat the erosion;

» Design the treatment system;

» Implement the system;

» Monitor the area to see if the system functions like it should, if the system fails, the method must be

adapted or adjust to ensure the accelerated erosion is controlled; and

» Monitoring must continue until the area has been stabilised.

5.2. Stormwater Management

The ECO is responsible for monitoring the site and the activities to ensure that no unnatural soil

degradation is taking place. The ECO must assess the site for erosion indicators such as:

» Bare soil;

» Exposed plant roots, pedestalling;

» Sheet erosion;

» Rill erosion;

» Hammocking;

» Erosion pavements;

» Terracettes; and

» Gullies.

In the assessment process the ECO and the contractor must assess all:

» Disturbed watercourse areas by the development: roads, bridges, river crossings, cabling, permanent

laydown areas, crane pads and any other remaining hard surfaces; and



» Construction activity limited to specified areas. Stockpiles of aggregate and material will be positioned

at least 50 m away from drainage lines and wetlands.

If any erosion features are present as a result of the activities mentioned above the ECO must:

» Assess the situation;

» Take photographs of the soil degradation;

» Determine the cause of the erosion;

» Inform and show the relevant contractors the soil degradation;

» Inform the contractor that rehabilitation must take place and that the contractor is to implement a

rehabilitation method statement and management plan;

» Monitor that the contractor is taking action to stop the erosion and assist them where needed;

» Monitor and document the rehabilitation process weekly; and

» All actions with regards to the incidents must be reported in the monthly compliance monitoring report.

The contractor/ developer must (with the ECO’s consultation):

» Select a system to treat the erosion;

» Design the treatment system;

» Implement the system;

» Monitor the area to ensure that the erosion has been addressed adequately; and

» Monitor the soil rehabilitation process until the area has been stabilised.

6. Rehabilitation

The following erosion control measures and rehabilitation specifications must be implemented to ensure

that good environmental practice is conducted and environmental compliance is achieved.

6.1. General Erosion Management

This sections discussion addresses the equipment required to remediate erosion, the precautionary

measures which must be taken to avoid erosion and mitigation requirements for already degraded areas.

6.1.1. Equipment

The civil works contractor may use the following instruments to combat erosion when necessary:

» Reno mattresses;

» Slope attenuation;

» Hessian material;

» Shade catch nets;

» Gabion baskets;

» Mulching Run-off control (increase the amounts of runoff areas to disperse the water);



» Silt fences;

» Storm water channels and catch pits;

» Shade / catch nets;

» Soil bindings;

» Geofabrics;

» Hydroseeding and/or re-vegetating;

» Mulching over cleared areas;

» Stone packing; and

» Tilling (roughing the surface).

6.1.2. Methods to prevent accelerated erosion

The following practises must be considered and adhered to:

» Ensure steep slopes are stabilised.

» Ensure that steep slopes are not stripped of vegetation and left to dry out and become water repellent

(which will case increased runoff and a decreased infiltration rate) increasing the erosion potential.

» Ensure that all water on site (rain water or water wastage from the construction process) does not result

in any surface flow (increase velocity and capacity of water) as a result of poor drainage systems.

» Ensure that pooling of water on site is avoided, as the site and the general area consists of dispersive

soils, pooling will cause an increase of infiltration on one area, causing the subsurface to begin

eroding.

» Ensure that heavy machinery does not compact those areas which are not intended to be

compacted (i.e. areas intended to be managed), as this will result in compacted hydrophobic, water

repellent soils which increase the erosion potential of the area. Where compaction does occur, the

areas should be ripped.

» Ensure that compacted areas have adequate drainage systems to avoid pooling and surface flow.

» Prevent the concentration or flow of surface water or stormwater down cut or fill slopes, or along

pipeline routes or roads, and ensure measures to prevent erosion are in place prior to construction.

» Ensure that stormwater and any runoff generated by hard surfaces should be discharged into retention

swales or areas with rock rip-rap. These areas should be grassed with indigenous vegetation. These

energy dissipation structures should be placed in a manner that surface flows are managed prior to

being discharged back into a natural watercourse to support the maintenance of natural base flows

within the ecological systems and prevent erosion, i.e. hydrological regime (water quantity and

quality) is maintained.

» Ensure siltation and sedimentation through the use of the erosion equipment mentioned.

» Ensure that all stormwater control features have soft engineered areas that attenuate flows, allowing

for water to percolate into the local ground watertable in low quantities (to reduce runoff but prevent

subsurface erosion).

» Minimise and restrict site clearing to areas required for construction purposes only and restrict

disturbance to adjacent undisturbed natural vegetation.

» Ensure that vegetation clearing is conducted in parallel with the construction progress across the site to

minimise erosion and/or run-off.



» Ensure that large tracts of bare soil which would cause dust pollution in high winds, or have high erosion

susceptibility and increase sedimentation in the lower portions of the catchment are controlled

through temporary surface covering.

» Ensure no diversion of water flows in catchment occurs.

» Ensure that dust control measures are implemented, but prevent over-wetting/ saturating the area (to

cause pooling) and run-off (that may cause erosion and sedimentation).

» Watercourse (stream) crossings should not trap any run-off, thereby creating inundated areas, but

allow for free flowing watercourses.

6.1.3. Mitigation for previously degraded areas

Previously degraded areas could pose a threat to construction activities in the area and must therefore be

stabilised, then remediated and rehabilitated through:

» Protecting, stabilise and isolate the degraded areas to ensure no further damage is caused by erosion

due to construction activities.

» Increase the drainage in the area but avoid pooling.

» Prevent increasing sedimentation in areas that have been chocked by soils from degraded areas.

» Once construction has been completed, a method statement must be drafted for the rehabilitation of

the previously degraded areas, using equipment mentioned above and implemented.

» Stabilisation of steep slopes must be undertaken.

» Ensure that bare soil is covered and hydro seeded to reduce topsoil loss.

6.2. Methodologies

The following erosion control measures and rehabilitation specifications may be required to be

implemented to ensure that good environmental practice is conducted and environmental compliance is

achieved.

» Topsoil covered with a geotextile or hessian material and a grass seed mixture (see Rehabilitation

Specifications).

» Logging or stepping following the contours of the slope, to reduce surface runoff.

» Earth or rock-pack cut-off berms.

» Packed branches to roughen the surface and promote infiltration.

» Benches (sand bags).

» Stabilisation of near vertical slopes (1:1 – 1:2), if created during construction, will be required to utilise

hard structures that have a natural look. The following methods may be considered:

• Gabions (preferred method with geotextile material);

• Retaining walls; and

• Stone pitching.

» The slopes of all stream diversions must be protected. The following methods may be considered:

• Reno mattresses (preferred method), ensure that the reno mattresses are buried deep into the

subsurface, to avoid undercutting from the water;



• Coarse rock (undersize rip-rap);

• Sandbags; and

• Stone packing with geotextile.

» Where feasible use rubber dams as stream diversions when establishing water course crossings.

Although (and considering that these are non-perennial watercourses) the recommendation is to

construct watercourse crossings during dry periods (or no flow periods), where possible.

» Any concentration of natural water flow caused by road works or hardstands areas will be treated as

follows:

• if water flow is sub-critical, nothing is required; and

• if water flow is supercritical, the outlets will be provided with protection (either gabions or stone

pitching – depending on the flows) to release water subcritical back into the watercourse at a low

velocity.

6.3. Engineering Specifications

A detailed Stormwater Management Plan describing and illustrating the proposed stormwater control

measures must be prepared by the Civil Engineers and this includes erosion control.

Requirements for project design:

» Erosion control measures to be implemented before and during the construction period, including the

final stormwater control measures (post construction).

» The location, area/extent (m²/ha) and specifications of all temporary and permanent water

management structures or stabilisation methods.

» A resident Engineer to be responsible for ensuring implementation of the erosion control measures on

site during the construction period.

» The Developer holds ultimate responsibility for remedial action in the event that the approved

stormwater plan is not correctly or appropriately implemented and damage to the environment is

caused.

» Concrete lined drains placed adjacent to road to transfer the water to the existing water courses.

» Frequent gravel drains hydroseeded placed on permanent roadway edges.

» At the point where stormwater is discharged, energy dissipaters to be constructed to reduce the flow

rate of run-off.

» All cut and fill banks will be seeded with an approved seed mix (as per the rehabilitation specifications)

to ensure bank stabilisation and the elimination of potential erosion. Reno mattresses may be used to

ensure that the area remains stable.

6.4. Rehabilitation Specifications

» Employ a Horticultural Landscape Contractor to fulfil the rehabilitation of disturbed areas post-

construction.



» A detailed Rehabilitation Plan describing and illustrating the proposed rehabilitation activities on site

must be prepared i.e. areas of top soiling, seeding and replanting of vegetation; species mix;

requirements for fertilisation; seed sowing rates; watering etc. (i.e. bill of quantities).

» The following document should be consulted for further support with respect to information regarding

rehabilitation, namely: The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, February 2005. Environmental Best

Practice Specifications: Construction Integrated Environmental Management Sub-Series No. IEMS 1.6.

Third Edition. Pretoria.

» These specifications may be modified by the Horticultural Landscape Contractor on consideration of

site conditions.

6.5. Post- and during construction rehabilitation activities

» Correct and appropriate stockpile management of topsoil will be required during the construction

phase.

» Rehabilitation of disturbed areas will be implemented as these areas become available for

rehabilitation.

» Disturbed areas will include, for example: construction camp site, areas where underground cabling

has been layed/buried, roadsides of new access roads.

7. Rehabilitation steps to mitigate the eroded areas

» Stockpiled topsoil must be spread over disturbed areas (150 – 200mm thick) just prior to

planting/seeding.

» Rip and scarify along the contours of the newly spread topsoil prior to watering and seeding.

» Organic fertilizers or compost shall be used if site conditions require it and can be applied as part of

hydro-seeding applications.

» Seed should be sown into weed-free topsoil that has been stockpiled (i.e. original topsoil from the site).

» Indigenous plants shall be used to rehabilitate disturbed areas.

» Applying the seed through hydromulching (hydro-seeding) is advantageous (or organic mulching after

seeding).

» Watering is essential and rehabilitation should ideally occur during the wet season.

» The topsoil in the area is vulnerable to erosion therefore the hydro-seeded surfaces must be covered

with a shade cloth material or natural fibre (hessian material) to reduce the loss of soil while the plants

establish.

7.1. ‘Watering’ to avoid erosion

» Movement of livestock in newly rehabilitated areas must be restricted, where possible, while taking into

consideration drinking areas/paths.

» Watering the rehabilitated areas should be undertaken in the wet/rainy season essential but if this is not

possible, an initial watering period (supplemental irrigation) will be required to ensure plant

establishment (germination and established growth).



» Generous watering during the first two weeks, or until the seeds have germinated, is required (unless

adequate rainfall occurs) i.e. seed beds will need to be kept moist for germination to occur.

» For grass to establish (once germination has occurred), rainfall or irrigation is needed at regular

intervals, ideally every few days and possibly every day if weather conditions require it.

» During dry periods, with no rainfall, 100 litres per m² (or 100mm of rain) over a month or more, may be

necessary to establish plants capable of surviving dry weather (or otherwise specified by the

Horticultural Landscape Contractor).

7.2. Seeding

The developer should make use of an appropriate mix of grass species for rehabilitation (to be determined

in consultation with a suitably qualified ecologist) and they must be mixed for sowing either in summer or in

winter. Grass species application (Rutherford, 2006) is at the rate secified as kg/ha.

7.3. Steep slopes

» Areas that have a steep gradient and require seeding for rehabilitation purposes should be

adequately protected against potential run-off erosion e.g. with coir geotextile netting or other

appropriate methodology.

» Provision for wind should also be made on these slopes to ensure the fine grained soil is not removed.

7.4. Maintenance and duration

» Rehabilitation will occur during construction, as areas for plant rehabilitation become available.

» The rehabilitation period post construction is estimated to be over a period of

6 (minimum) to 12 months (maximum), or a time period specified by the Horticultural Landscape

Contractor, particularly if planting of trees and shrubs occurs.

» The rehabilitation phase (including post seeding maintenance) should be at least 6 months

(depending on time of seeding and rainfall) to ensure establishment of plants with a minimum 80%

cover achieved (excluding alien plant species).

» If the plants have not established and the 80% is not achieved within the specified maintenance

period, maintenance of these areas shall continue until at least 80% cover is achieved (excluding alien

plant species).

» Additional seeding may be necessary to achieve 80% cover.

» Any plants that die during the maintenance period must be replaced.

» Succession of natural plant species should be encouraged.

8. Conclusion

The Erosion Management Plan is a document to assist the contractor, the Developer and the ECO with

guidelines on how to manage erosion. The implementation of management measures is not only good

practice to ensure minimisation of degradation, but also necessary to ensure comply with legislative



requirements. This document forms part of the EMP, and is required to be considered and adhered to

during the design, construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the project.

9. References

Department of Environmental Affairs. (1983). Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983.

Pretoria: Department of Environmental Affairs.

Coetzee, K. (2005). Caring for Natural Rangelands. Scottsville: University of KwaZulu-Natal Press.

Commission, F. R. (2009, March 10). Forestry Commission. Retrieved August Tuesday, 2012, from Forestry

Commission: Forest Research : www.forestry.gov.uk

Tongway, D. J., & Ludwig, J. A. (2004). Heterogeneity in arid and semi arid lands. Queensland: Sustainable

Ecosystems.

van der Linde, M., & Feris, L. (2010). Compendium of South African Legislation. Pretoria: Pretoria University

Press.

APPENDIX I(B):

ALIEN INVASIVE MANAGEMENT PLAN


Alien Invasive Plan Management Plan 1

ALIEN INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT PLAN

OVERALL OBJECTIVE

Manage alien and invasive plant species during the construction and operation of the Wind Energy Facility,

through the implementation of an alien invasive species management and control programme.

PROBLEM OUTLINE

Alien plants replace indigenous vegetation leading to severe loss of biodiversity and change in landscape

function. Potential consequences include loss of biodiversity, loss of grazing resources, increased fire risk,

increased erosion, loss of wetland function, impacts on drainage lines, increased water use etc.

In addition, the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act 43 of 1983), as amended in 2001, requires that

land users clear Declared Weeds from their properties and prevent the spread of Declared Invader Plants on

their properties. A list of declared weeds and invader plants is attached.

Table 3 of CARA (the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act) lists all declared weeds and invader plants.

Alien plants are divided into 3 categories based on their risk as an invader.

• Category 1 - These plants must be removed and controlled by all land users. They may no longer be

planted or propagated and all trade in these species is prohibited.

• Category 2 – These plants pose a threat to the environment but nevertheless have commercial value.

These species are only allowed to occur in demarcated areas and a land user must obtain a water use

license as these plants consume large quantities of water.

• Category 3 – These plants have the potential of becoming invasive but are considered to have

ornamental value. Existing plants do not have to be removed but no new plantings may occur and the

plants may not be sold.

The following guide is a useful starting point for the identification of alien species:

• Bromilow, C. 2010. Problem Plants and Alien Weeds of South Africa. Briza, Pretoria.

SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES:

• Ensure alien plants do not become dominant in parts or the whole landscape;

• Initiate and implement a monitoring and eradication programme for alien and invasive species;

• Control alien and invasive species dispersal and encroachment; and

• Promote the natural reestablishment and planting of indigenous species.

VULNERABLE ECOSYSTEMS AND HABITATS



Certain habitats and environments are more vulnerable to alien plant invasion and are likely to bear the brunt

of alien plant invasion problems at the site. In addition, construction activities and changes in water

distribution at the site following construction are also likely to increase and alter the vulnerability of the site to

alien plant invasion.

Areas at the site which are likely to require specific attention include the following:

• Wetlands, drainage lines and other mesic areas;

• Cleared and disturbed areas such as road verges, crane pads and construction footprints etc.; and

• Construction camps and lay-down areas which are cleared or are active for an extended period.

Wetlands, drainage lines and other mesic areas

There are a relatively large number of drainage lines at the site as well as a number of natural and artificial

wetlands. Disturbance within these areas often results in alien plant invasion on account of the greater water

and nutrient availability in this habitat. Although there are no turbines within such areas, numerous road

crossings will be required. The disturbance footprint within such areas must be minimized and these areas

should be checked for alien species more often than the surrounding landscape.

Cleared and disturbed areas

Cleared and disturbed areas are clearly vulnerable to invasion on account of the lack of existing plant cover

to resist invasion as well as the disturbance which created during construction which promotes the

germination and establishment of alien plant species.

Construction camps and laydown areas

Construction camps and lay down areas are either cleared of vegetation or prolonged activities in these

areas result in negative impact on indigenous vegetation. In addition, repeated vehicle and human activity

in these areas usually results in the import of alien plant seed on clothes, dirty vehicles or with construction

machinery and materials.

GENERAL CLEARING & GUIDING PRINCIPLES

• Alien control programs are long-term management projects and must include a clearing plan which

includes follow up actions for rehabilitation of the cleared area. Alien problems at the site must be

identified during preconstruction surveys of the development footprint. This may occur simultaneously to

other required searches and surveys. The clearing plan must then form part of the preconstruction

reporting requirements for the site.

• The plan should include a map showing the alien density & indicating dominant alien species in each

area.

• Lighter infested areas should be cleared first to prevent the build-up of seed banks.

• Dense mature stands of woody species where present must be left for last, as they probably will not

increase in density or pose a greater threat than they are at the moment.

• Collective management and planning with neighbours may be required as seeds of aliens are easily

dispersed across boundaries by wind or water courses.



• All clearing actions must be monitored and documented to keep track of which areas are due for follow-

up clearing.

CLEARING METHODS

Different species require different clearing methods such as manual, chemical or biological or a combination

of both. However care must be taken that the clearing method (s) used does not encourage further invasion.

As such, regardless of the method (s) used, disturbance to the soil should be kept to a minimum. Fire is not a

natural phenomenon at the site and fire should not be used as a clearing method or vegetation

management approach at the site. The best-practice clearing method for each species identified should be

used. The preferred clearing methods for most alien species can be obtained from the DWAF Working for

Water Website. http://www.dwaf.gov.za/wfw/Control/.

USE OF HERBICIDES FOR ALIEN CONTROL

Although it is usually preferable to use manual clearing methods where possible, such methods may create

additional disturbance which stimulates alien invasion and may also be ineffective for many woody species

which re-sprout. Where herbicides are to be used, the impact of the operation on the natural environment

must be minimised by observing the following:

• Area contamination must be minimised by careful, accurate application with a minimum amount of

herbicide to achieve good control.

• Specific care must be taken to prevent contamination of any water bodies. This includes: due care in

storage, application, cleaning of equipment and disposal of containers, product and spray mixtures.

• Equipment must be washed where there is no danger of contaminating water sources and washings

carefully disposed of in a suitable site.

• To avoid damage to indigenous or other desirable vegetation, products used must have the least effect

on non-target vegetation.

• Coarse droplet nozzles should be fitted to avoid drift onto neighboring vegetation.

• The appropriate health and safety procedures should also be followed regarding the storage, handling

and disposal of herbicides.

For all herbicide applications, the following guidelines should be followed:

• Working for Water: Policy on the Use of Herbicides for the Control of Alien Vegetation.

ALIEN PLANT MANAGEMENT PLAN

CONSTRUCTION PHASE ACTIVITIES

The following management actions are aimed at reducing soil disturbance during the construction phase of

the development, as well as reducing the likelihood that alien species will be brought onto site or otherwise

encouraged.

Action Frequency

The ECO is to provide permission prior to any vegetation being cleared for Daily



development.

Clearing of vegetation must be undertaken as the work front progresses –

mass clearing is not allowed unless the entire cleared area is to be

rehabilitated immediately.

Weekly

Should re-vegetation not be possible immediately, the cleared areas must

be protected with packed brush, or appropriately battered with fascine

work. Alternatively, jute (Soil Saver) may be pegged over the soil to stabilise

it.

Weekly

Cleared areas that have become invaded may be sprayed with

appropriate herbicides provided they break down when in contact with

the soil. Residual herbicides should not be used.

Weekly

Although organic matter is frequently used to encourage regrowth of

vegetation on cleared areas, no foreign material for this purpose must be

brought onto site. Brush from cleared areas must be used as much as

possible. Arid soils are usually very low in organic matter and the use of

manure or other soil amendments is likely to encourage invasion.

Weekly

Clearing of vegetation must not be allowed within 50m of any wetland or

pan, 80m of any wooded area, within 1:100 year floodlines, in conservation

servitude areas or on slopes steeper than 1:3, unless permission is granted by

the ECO for specifically allowed construction activities in these areas.

Weekly

Care must be taken to avoid the introduction of alien plant species to the

site and surrounding areas. (Particular attention must be paid to imported

material such as building sand or dirty earth-moving equipment.) Stockpiles

must be checked regularly and any weeds emerging from material

stockpiles should be removed.

Weekly

Alien vegetation regrowth must be controlled throughout the entire site

during the construction period.

Monthly

The alien plant removal and control method guidelines must adhere to best-

practice for the species involved. Such information can be obtained from

the DWAF Working for Water website.

Monthly

Clearing activities must be contained within the affected zones and may

not spill over into demarcated No-Go areas.

Daily

Pesticides may not be used. Herbicides may be used to control listed alien

weeds and invaders only.

Monthly

Drainage lines and other sensitive areas must remain demarcated with

appropriate fencing or hazard tape while construction activities within the

area are underway. These areas are no-go areas (this must be explained to

all workers) that must be excluded from all development activities.

Daily

MONITORING – CONSTRUCTION PHASE

The following monitoring actions must be implemented during the construction phase of the development.

Monitoring Action Indictor Timeframe



Document alien species

present at the site List of alien species Preconstruction

Document alien plant

distribution Alien plant distribution map 3 Monthly

Document & record alien

control measures

implemented

Record of clearing activities 3 Monthly

Review & evaluation of

control success rate

Decline in documented alien

abundance over time Biannually

OPERATIONAL PHASE ACTIVITIES

The following management actions are aimed at reducing the abundance of alien species within the site and

maintaining non-invaded areas clear of aliens.

Action Frequency

Surveys for alien species must be conducted regularly. Every 3 months

for the first two years after construction and biannually thereafter. All

aliens identified must be cleared.

Every 3 months for 2 years and

biannually thereafter

Re-vegetation with indigenous, locally occurring species must take

place in areas where natural vegetation is slow to recover or where

repeated invasion has taken place.

Biannually, but re-vegetation

should take place at the start of

the rainy season.

Areas of natural vegetation that need to be maintained or managed

to reduce plant height or biomass, must be controlled using methods

that leave the soil protected, such as using a weed-eater to mow

above the soil level.

When necessary

No alien species must be cultivated on-site. If vegetation is required for

esthetic purposes, then non-invasive, water-wise locally-occurring

species should be used.

When necessary

MONITORING – OPERATIONAL PHASE

The following monitoring and evaluation actions must take place during the operational phase of the

development.


Document alien species

distribution and abundance

over time at the site.

Alien plant distribution map. Biannually

Document alien plant control

measures implemented &

Records of control measures and

their success rate. Quarterly



success rate achieved. A decline in alien distribution and

cover over time at the site.

Document rehabilitation

measures implemented and

success achieved in problem

areas.

Decline in vulnerable bare areas

over time. Biannually

DECOMMISSIONING PHASE ACTIVITIES

The following management actions are aimed at preventing the invasion, by alien plant species, of the re-

vegetated areas created during the decommissioning phase. Re-vegetation of the disturbed site is aimed at

approximating as near as possible the natural vegetative conditions prevailing prior to operation.

Action Frequency

All damaged areas shall be rehabilitated if the infrastructure is

removed and the facility is decommissioned. Once off

All natural areas must be rehabilitated with species indigenous to the

area. Re-seed with locally-sourced seed of indigenous grass species

that were recorded on site pre-construction.

Once off, with annual follow up re-

vegetation where required.

Maintain alien plant monitoring and removal programme for 3 years

after rehabilitation. Biannually

MONITORING – DECOMMISSIONING PHASE

The following monitoring and evaluation actions must take place during the decommissioning phase of the

development.


Monitor newly disturbed areas

where infrastructure has been

removed to detect and

quantify any aliens that may

become established for 3

years after decommissioning

and rehabilitation.

Alien plant surveys and distribution

map

Biannually until such time as the

natural vegetation has recovered

sufficiently to resist invasion.

Monitor re-vegetated areas to

detect and quantify any

aliens that may become

established for 3 years after

decommissioning and

rehabilitation.

Alien plant surveys and distribution

map Biannually for 3 years

Document alien plant control

measures implemented &

success rate achieved

Records of control measures and

their success rate.

Annually for 3 years



A decline in alien distribution and

cover over time at the site

REFERENCES:

AGIS (2006) Weeds and Invasive Plants Atlas (www.agis.agric.za/wip)

APPENDIX I(C):

PLANT RESCUE AND PROTECTION PLAN


Plant Rescue and Re-Vegetation Management Plan 1

METHODS FOR PLANT RESCUE AND RE-VEGETATION

List of Abbreviations

CARA: Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983

DEA: Department of Environmental Affairs

EA: Environmental Authorisation

ECO: Environmental Control Officer

EMP: Environmental Management Plan

NEMA: National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998

LFA: Landscape Functional Analysis (Tongway and Hindley 2004)

IAP: Invasive Alien Plant

List of Definitions:

Accelerated soil erosion: Soil erosion induced by human activities.

Acceptable cover: An acceptable cover shall mean that not less than 75% (in an area with rainfall above

400 mm per annum), or 40% (in regions receiving less than 400 mm rain per annum), of the area

planted or hydroseeded shall be covered with grass and that there shall be no bare patches of

more than 500 mm in maximum dimension.

Alien: Originating from another country or continent and originally different environment, commonly used

to describe plants that are not indigenous to South Africa and have become problematic

(spreading rapidly, threatening existing biodiversity).

Allelopathic components: One or more biochemical compound produced by a plant and released

through leaf litter or roots that suppresses the growth, survival, and reproduction of other

surrounding vegetation.

Bare soil: Un-vegetated soil surface, unaltered by humans.

Compacted soil surface: A soil surface that has been hardened by an outside source, causing the soil to

be more compacted than the surrounding area.

Container plants: Container plants include all vegetation which are bought or supplied in acceptable

containers from nurseries or vegetation lifted out of their natural position and placed in containers.

Desirable end state: The future condition or target on which the rehabilitation is designed and that will

serve later as a basis for rehabilitation success evaluation. This can be based on a reference site or

modelled according to available information on historic vegetation.

Ecological rehabilitation: The process of assisting the recovery of a degraded or damaged ecosystem in a

trajectory that renders the ecosystem fully functional, stable, and able to develop further, but not

necessarily returning to the original historic state.

Ecological restoration: The process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded

damaged or destroyed, in a trajectory that ultimately returns the ecosystem to its natural

successional stage.

Ecosystem: The combination of biota within a given area, together with a suitable environment that

sustains the biota and the interactions between biota. It can have a spatial unit of any size, but



shows some degree homogeneity as far as structure, function and species composition is

concerned. Small-scale ecosystems typically link up to larger scale ecosystems and all contribute

to the ecosystem function and services at the landscape-scale.

Establishment of grass: All procedures necessary to produce an acceptable cover of grass on an area.

Establishment Period: The Establishment Period is defined as the period beginning from the actual planting

or placing of vegetation until three months thereafter, unless otherwise specified or unless grass

cover is unacceptable or unless plants have not taken.

Extinction debt: Is a concept that describes the future extinction of species due to events in the past.

Extinction debt occurs because of time delays between impacts on a species, such as destruction

of habitat or reduction of population size, and the species' ultimate disappearance.

Geophytic: Resprouting during the growing season from an underground storage organ such as bulbs,

corms, tubers or rhizomes, and dying back completely during unfavourable seasons.

Hydroseeding: To apply seed in a slurry with water (plus other materials to enhance growth) by means of a

spraying device.

Indigenous: Refers to a plant or animal that occurs naturally in the place in which it is currently found.

Invasive plant: Is a kind of plant which has under section 2 (3) of CARA been declared an invader plant,

and includes the seed of such plant and any vegetative part of such plant which reproduces itself

asexually.

Landscape: Consists of a mosaic of two or more ecosystems that exchange organisms, energy, water,

and nutrients.

Nursery conditions: These are the necessary conditions to maintain healthy growth of rescued and/or

container plants. This includes protection of such plants against wind, frost, direct sunlight, pests,

rodents, diseases, and drought. It also includes the provision of suitable water, fertilizer and any

other measures required to maintain the container plants.

Period of Maintaining: The Period of Maintaining is defined as the period following directly after the

Establishment Period until the end of the Period of Maintenance for the whole Contract as defined

in the General Conditions of Contract, unless otherwise specified.

Revegetation: The process of establishing a vegetative cover on exposed soils, regardless of species

composition or structure, as long as the species are non-invasive and their presence will not

impede the gradual process of ecological rehabilitation or –restoration.

Soil Erosion: Is a natural process whereby the ground level is lowered by wind or water action and may

occur as a result of inter alia chemical processes and or physical transport on the land surface.

Scarifying: To roughen the surface of soil as a preparation for seeding or topsoil addition.

Trimming: To neatly round off the levels of existing or previously shaped earthworks to blend in with the

levels of other earthworks, constructed works, or natural landforms.

Transformation: The conversion of an ecosystem to a different ecosystem or land use type.

Topsoil: Uppermost layer of soil, in natural vegetation maximally 30 cm, in cultivated landscapes the total

depth of cultivation, containing the layer with humus, seeds and nutrients. Topsoils that are applied

to landscapes to be rehabilitated must be free of refuse, large roots and branches, stones, alien

weeds and/or any other agents that would adversely affect the topsoils suitability for re-vegetation.

Weed: A plant that grows where it is not wanted, and can therefore be an indigenous or alien species. An

unwanted plant growing in a garden is just called a weed, but the 198 listed IAPs are called

“declared weeds and invaders”.



1. Purpose

The Plant Rescue and Revegetation Management Plan addresses the need to mitigate all impacts leading

to disturbed vegetation, loss of species and/or agricultural potential, disturbed soil surfaces, and generally

bare soils prone to erosion and further degradation on the proposed development site. The plan overlaps

to some degree with the Storm Water and Erosion Management Plan, and for successful rehabilitation, it is

imperative that this plan is at all times used in conjunction with other EMPrs mentioned.

The objective of the plan is therefore to provide:

» Protocols for the removal, temporary storage and replanting of plant species of conservation concern;

» Protocols for the rehabilitation of vegetative cover across the project area;

» Tools for planning the rehabilitation work and responding to unforeseen events;

» Guidelines on implementation and post-implementation tasks;

» Criteria for evaluating rehabilitation success; and

» A summary of items to be included in the rehabilitation budget to ensure that there is sufficient

allocation of resources on the project budget so that the scale of EMP-related activities is consistent

with the significance of project impacts.

2. Scope

This document is a plant rescue, rehabilitation, and revegetation plan that provides a guideline to be

applied by all contractors on the development site. This plan, as part of the project EMPr, is a legally

binding document that must be implemented to fullfil the requirements of relevant legislation. However,

the management plan is an evolving guideline that needs to be updated or adapted as progress is made

with the rehabilitation and revegetation of the project area, and successes and failures of procedures

identified.

The objective of rescuing plants, rehabilitation and revegetation on the project area is to:

» Preventing the loss of species either directly or through future extinction and minimising impacts of

development on population dynamics of species of conservation concern.

» Preserving the natural configuration of habitats as part of ecosystems, thus ensuring a diverse but

stable hydrology, substrate and general environment for species to be able to become established

and persist.

» Preserving or re-creating the structural integrity of natural plant communities.

» Actively aid the improvement of indigenous biodiversity according to a desirable end state according

to a previously recorded reference state. This reference state, if healthy, will be dynamic and able to

recover after occasional disturbances without returning to a degraded state.

» Improving the ecosystem function of natural landscapes and their associated vegetation.

3. Legislation and Standards

Relevant legislation:



» Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983;

» Environmental Conservation Act 73 of 1989;

» National Forestry Act 84 of 1998;

» National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998; and

» Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act (Act No. 9 of 2009).

4. Effect of clearing alien vegetation

Invasive and Alien Plants (IAPs) gradually displace and suppress indigenous and/or herbaceous vegetation

as their stands become bigger and denser. In addition, they use more water, hence desiccate the soil

more, and may alter chemical properties of the soil – partially through secondary compounds released

from their litter, partially from compounds released from roots. These altered soils suppress the germination

and establishment of herbaceous species, leading to bare soil underneath dense IAP canopies.

After clearing dense stands of invasive shrubs, soil surfaces are thus generally bare with topsoil exposed to

erosion and often already somewhat capped and eroded.

5. Effect of removing individuals of species of conservation concern

Species of conservation concern are declining either due to overexploitation or because their range of

occupancy is limited and further infringed on by development. Most plant populations require a certain

minimum number of individuals within a population or metapopulation to allow for sufficient genetic

transfer between individuals. This prevents genetic erosion and hence weakening of the ability of

individuals to persist in their environments. Similarly, where the distance between metapopulations is

significantly increased due to fragmentation and the resultant loss of some populations, populations may

suffer genetic decline due to restricted movement of pollen. Pollinators or other species that depend on a

particular plant species for a specific microhabitat or food source may be equally affected because of

the reduction of available resources. Therefore the aim of plant rescue actions are always to maintain as

many individuals of a plant population in as close proximity to the original habitat as possible to minimise

loss of individuals and fragmentation of populations to prevent the creation of future extinction debts of

the development.

6. General: Plant rescue and protection

Successful plant rescue can only be achieved if:

» Species can be removed from their original habitat with minimal damage to the plant, especially the

roots.

» All plants removed are safely stored and treated according to their specific requirements prior to

being transplanted again.

» They are relocated into a suitable habitat and protected from further damage and all disturbances to

aid their re-establishment.

» Timing of planting activities is planned with the onset of the growing season.



» Steps are taken where necessary to aid the initial establishment of vegetation, including occasional

watering.

6.1. Time of planting

» All planting shall be carried out as far as is practicable during the period most likely to produce

beneficial results (i.e. during the peak growing season), but as soon as possible after completion of a

section of earthworks.

» Drainage line rehabilitation preparation must be done during autumn, and planting of appropriate

species in these areas should commence during early spring after the first rains.

7. General: IAP removal

Removal of invasive plants should at all times follow the specifications and guidelines of the Working for

Water Programme (refer also to invasive plant management plan).

Information can be obtained from the relevant website:

http://www.dwaf.gov.za/wfw

Detailed information on clearing methods is available on the above websites “Alien Invasive Plants” menu

(clearing methods, operational standards and species-specific treatment methods).

8. General: Rehabilitation and re-vegetation

Successful rehabilitation can only be achieved with:

» A long-term commitment;

» Practical, adaptive management; and

» Viable goals of desired outcomes.

Prior to vegetation rehabilitation, all stakeholders involved must be consulted to determine:

» What the rehabilitation is ultimately aiming for– rehabilitation of cropping/grazing lands or

rehabilitation of indigenous vegetation, after soil erosion and storm water management is in place

and IAPs have been cleared?

» A clear definition of incompatible and compatible vegetation on and in the immediate surroundings

of the development must be defined and maintained as such. No tree or shrubs shall be allowed to

grow to a height in excess of the horizontal distance of that tree or shrub from the nearest newly

developed structure or to grow in such a manner as to endanger the development or its operation.

» Who will take long-term ownership and hence responsibility for the rehabilitation and its subsequent

monitoring and management? Continued monitoring of vegetation establishment and composition,

as well as erosion detection will have to be coupled with continued follow-up maintenance of

rehabilitation and erosion control from commencement of activity up to the decommissioning phase.



The ultimate objective for rehabilitation must focus on the stabilisation of soil erosion, retaining agricultural

potential of transformed areas and /or the establishment of a dense and protective plant cover and the

maintenance of habitats to enable vegetation to persist and flourish on rehabilitated areas indefinitely,

ultimately relying only on environmental resources.

8.1. Map and create management areas

The entire project area must be mapped and divided into management areas indicating:

» Current land cover

▪ Roads and residential;

▪ Areas with IAPs, subdivided further in sparse or dense infestations where applicable;

▪ Transformed areas; and

▪ Untransformed indigenous vegetation.

For every one of the management areas, the project proponent, in consultation with the land users, will

have to decide what intervention will be necessary, desirable, and feasible to enable the development of

the project and long-term sustainable maintenance of infrastructure. Thus for every management area

there must be an operational outline on:

» what will happen there;

» what needs to be mitigated – including storm water- and erosion management;

» which management units need priority intervention/mitigation;

» how will this mitigation / intervention be done (method statements) including schedule of work;

» realistic and desirable end states including list of species that should be established to initiate

rehabilitation after initial revegetation;

» approximate timeframes;

» monitoring protocol to evaluate success or failures of interventions;

▪ establish permanently marked transects and monitor with fixed-point photography

» who will be responsible for doing what; and

» how will different actions be integrated to achieve and maintain or improve the desirable end state of

the environment of that management unit.

Special attention will have to be given to drainage zones, as these not only have very active

morphodynamics, but are also distributers of seeds – both indigenous and of IAPs. Thus clearing a

downstream invasion of aliens to enable maintenance of the development will be futile if the upstream

IAPs are not cleared or at least aggressively controlled.

8.2. Setting realistic rehabilitation goals

Rehabilitation efforts typically aim at improving ecosystem function that consists of a series of processes,

which can in the end be evaluated against a desired outcome or reference state of the vegetation and

environment.



Attainable goals of rehabilitation on the project area should be possible and viable for at least the

following:

» Stabilisation of soils;

» Stabilisation of riparian areas;

» Storm water reduction through management and wetland integrity;

» Clearing of IAPs;

▪ The degree to which IAPs can be cleared from the project area needs to be determined

according to desirability, available project funding, personnel and project requirements; and

» Restoring and/or rehabilitating vegetative cover on non-transformed areas to obtain an acceptable

vegetation cover that can be maintained or persists on its own indefinitely.

8.3. Remove or ameliorate the cause of degradation

This will include:

» Physical rehabilitation of topsoil where it has been removed.

» Topsoil on areas that have not been cultivated are considered as the upper 20 - 30 cm only. These

contain the most important nutrients, micro flora and –fauna essential for nutrient cycling processes.

Topsoils are also an important source of seeds.

» Subsoils and overburden substrata lack the above elements and will first have to be used for physical

rehabilitation of landscapes as and where necessary, and then overlain with topsoils.

» Stabilisation of topsoils and prevention of erosion – refer to the Erosion management pan.

» Removal of all invasive vegetation – refer to the Invasive Management Plan

▪ Where it is desirable to use brush or logs of the cleared vegetation for soil stabilisation, such

material must be free of regenerative material – e.g. seeds or root suckers.

8.4. Initial revegetation

Immediately after clearing of vegetation, the soil surface must be inspected for signs of erosion and

stabilised as soon as possible. After completion of construction, such erosion stabilisation should preferably

be with a cover of vegetation. A dense initial grass or other perennial cover will be desirable. The

appropriate seed mix should be determined in consultation with an ecologist familiar with the area. The

aim of the first vegetation cover is to form a protective, relatively dense indigenous layer to slow runoff,

increase moisture infiltration into the soil, and gradually change the soil nutrient status in order for it to be

more favourable for other desirable indigenous vegetation to become established.

8.5. Plant Search and Rescue

Prior to construction, once all the areas where topsoil will be removed or areas will be transformed have

been demarcated, the ECO and contractor will be responsible to remove all bulbous species from the

topsoil, as well as succulents and small indigenous shrubs that can be transplanted. These are to be kept

in a raised, protected position in a designated area until they can be replanted again as part of the

rehabilitation process. Further details are listed in the operation standards.



8.6. Natural seed banks and improvement of plant structural and compositional

diversity

It is expected that soil seed banks of indigenous vegetation will be present to initiate initial vegetation

cover, but may not be sufficient to establish an acceptable cover of desirable species. After deciding

which indigenous species should be re-introduced, seed should be ideally collected from site or an

environmentally-matched site nearby.

Seed collection may be done throughout the year as seed ripens, but can also be restricted to summer,

when a large amount of the perennial seed should have ripened. Seeds should be stored in paper or

canvas bags dusted with insecticide, and sown at the onset of the rainy season.

Alternatively, slower-growing perennials may be raised from seed or cuttings in a nursery and then

transplanted once established. It will be beneficial to investigate if community members would be able to

create and maintain such a nursery, or if there are nurseries in the area, that raise indigenous flora from the

area.

The final vegetation cover must aim to resemble the original (non-encroached) vegetation composition

and structure as far as practicable possible or permissible within each management unit.

For drainage areas:

» First restore drainage line morphology following the guidelines of the Erosion management plan –

without that ecological recovery cannot be initiated;

» Determine if natural seed sources may be present further upstream;

» If such upstream seed sources are still present, rehabilitation of riparian vegetation after soil erosion

management will most likely occur naturally, PROVIDED that follow-up monitoring of the establishment

of vegetation is carried out, and all invasive species eradicated as they emerge. This can only be

achieved with a long-term commitment (> 5 years minimum); and

» Should no upstream seed resources be available, suitable species (as determined in consultation with

an ecologist) should be sown or planted.

8.7. Monitoring and follow-up action

Throughout the lifecycle of the development, regular monitoring and adaptive management must be in

place to detect any new degradation of ecosystems affected by the development, and remedy these as

soon as detected.

During the construction phase, the ECO and contractor will be responsible for initiating and maintaining a

suitable monitoring system. Once the development is operational, the project proponent will have to

identify a suitable entity that will be able to take over and maintain the monitoring cycle and initiate

adaptive management as soon as it is required. Monitoring personnel must be adequately trained.

The following are the minimum criteria that must be monitored:



» Composition and density of replanted vegetation, distinguishing between species introduced for initial

revegetat.ion only and species that are part of the pre-determined desirable end state

» Associated nature and stability of surface soils

▪ It is recommended that permanent transects are marked and surveyed annually according to

the LFA technique (Tongway and Hindley 2004), adapted to integrate both surface soil

characteristics and the vegetation to be monitored.

» Re-emergence of IAPs

▪ If noted, remedial action must be taken immediately according to Working for Water

specifications.

» Nature and dynamics of riparian zones

▪ Stability of riparian vegetation.

▪ Any form of bank erosion, slumping or undercutting.

▪ Stability of channel form and width of streams – if this increases, it shows that vegetation on plains

and/or riparian areas and upper drainage lines are not yet in a stable enough state to be fully

functional in reducing excess runoff and the ecosystem overall is losing valuable resources.

8.8. Timeframes and duration

» Rehabilitation must occur during construction, as areas for the re-application of topsoil and

revegetation become available or where revegetation can be initiated after clearing of invasives or

to stabilise erosion.

» The initial revegetation period post construction is estimated to be over a period of 6 (minimum) to 12

months (maximum), or a time period specified by the Horticultural Landscape Contractor, particularly

if planting of trees and shrubs occurs.

» The rehabilitation phase (including post seeding maintenance) must be at least 12 months

(depending on time of seeding and rainfall) to ensure establishment of an acceptable plant cover is

achieved (excluding invasive plant species or weeds).

» If the plants have not established and the acceptable plant cover is not achieved within the specified

maintenance period, maintenance of these areas shall continue until at acceptable plant cover is

achieved (excluding alien plant species or weeds).

» Additional seeding or planting may be necessary to achieve acceptable plant cover. Hydroseeding

may have to be considered as an option in this case.

» Any plants that die, during the maintenance period, shall be replaced by the Horticultural Landscape

Contractor (at the Horticultural Landscape Contractor’s cost if it was due to insufficient maintenance).

» Succession of natural plant species must be encouraged

» Monitoring of rehabilitation success and follow-up adaptive management, together with clearing of

emerging invasives shall be carried on until the decommissioning phase has been completed.

9. Conclusion

The Plant Rescue and Revegetation Management Plan is a document to assist the contractor and the

developer with guidelines on how to plan and implement the required work, and understand the concepts

behind successful rehabilitation. This plan will have to be implemented in conjunction with erosion-, storm

water- and IAP management plans. The exact details of the rehabilitation plan will depend on the



determined extent of rehabilitation that will have to be undertaken, available funding, and desirable end

state of the vegetation after rehabilitation.

10. References and further reading

Clewell, A., Rieger, J. and Munro, J. (2005). Guidelines for Developing and Managing Ecological

Restoration Projects, 2 Edition. www.ser.org and Tucson: Society for Ecological Restoration

International.

Coetzee, K. (2005). Caring for Natural Rangelands. Scottsville: University of KwaZulu-Natal Press.

Department of Environmental Affairs,(1983). Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983.

Pretoria: Department of Environmental Affairs.

Society for Ecological Restoration International Science & Policy Working Group. 2004. The SER

International Primer on Ecological Restoration. www.ser.org & Tucson: Society for Ecological

Restoration International.

Tongway, D.J. and Hindley, N.L. (2004) Landscape Function Analysis: Procedures for Monitoring and

Assessing Landscapes, CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA.

Tongway, D.J., Freudenberger, D.O., Noble, J.C., and Hodgkinson, K.C. (Eds). (2003). Landscape Ecology,

Function and Management. CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA.



A. APPENDIX: RECOMMENDED OPERATIONAL STANDARDS

OBJECTIVE: Revegetate and Rehabilitate disturbed areas

The Contractor must take all reasonable measures to ensure that plant species of conservation concern

are rescued and survive indefinitely. Landscaped topsoils as well as areas cleared of IAPs must be

adequately rehabilitated and /or revegetated to ensure that the ecosystems affected by the

development regain and/or retain their functionality indefinitely.

Throughout the lifecycle of the development, regular monitoring and adaptive management must be in

place to detect any new degradation of ecosystems affected by the development and remedy these as

soon as detected.

Mitigation measures relating to the vegetative cover as part of a healthy ecosystem must be implemented

in order to effectively limit and gradually reverse the impact on the environment. The focus of the

mitigation measures laid out below relate to project-related disturbances. Where such disturbances are

exacerbated by farming-related disturbances or vice versa, mitigation measures must be carried out in

consultation with the land-user responsible.

Project

component/s

Project components affecting the objective:

» Turbines;

» Access roads and cabling between and to turbine units;

» Power line;

» Sealed surfaces (e.g. roofs, concrete surfaces, compacted road surfaces, paved roads /

areas);

» Substation; and

» All other infrastructure.

Potential Impact » Loss of suitable substrate for a stable vegetation cover;

» De-stabilisation and/or alteration of substrate and hence degradation of vegetation cover,

significant change in species composition or loss of agricultural potential;

» Loss of suitable habitat for flora and fauna;

» Leaky ecosystem due to loss of nutrients and moisture from the system, leading to a less

resilient vegetation cover and loss of ecosystem function and –services;

» Degradation and/or loss of riparian areas and wetlands on and beyond the project

boundaries;

» A loss of indigenous vegetation cover and possibly endangered species; and

» Disturbance of fauna species.

Activities/risk

sources

» Rainfall and wind erosion of disturbed areas;

» Excavation, stockpiling and compaction of soil;

» Existing IAPs as well as clearing thereof;

» Concentrated discharge of water from construction activity or new infrastructure;

» Storm water run-off from sealed, altered or bare surfaces;




» Cabling and access roads construction activities;


» River/stream/drainage line road crossings;

» Roadside drainage ditches;

» Project related infrastructure; and

» Premature abandonment of follow-up monitoring and adaptive management of

rehabilitation.

Mitigation: Target/

Objective

» To minimise loss of plant species of conservation concern;

» To minimise unfavourable runoff conditions and loss of resources from the ecosystems;

» To minimise erosion of soil from site during and after construction;

» To minimise and mitigate unfavourable alteration to drainage lines, especially incision;

» To minimise damage to indigenous vegetation during and after construction;

» No accelerated overland flow related surface erosion as a result of project infrastructure;

» No reduction in the surface area or general nature and functionality of wetlands (drainage

lines and other wetland areas) as a result of the establishment of infrastructure on the project

areas and beyond its boundaries; and

» A clear reduction of IAPs on the project area and replacement thereof by indigenous

vegetation according to a pre-determined desirable end state.


Planning

Classify the entire project area into management units

according to current land cover and state of the environment

and map accordingly

Developer /

Contractor


For each management unit

» establish what interventions will be necessary relating to

IAPs, soil erosion management, topsoil handling,

landscape rehabilitation and revegetation;

» where rehabilitation and revegetation will be necessary,

decide on the desired end state of vegetation for that

management unit and create a list of species to be

established on specific sites; and

» outline the management of construction activities,

including topsoils, excavated materials and felled biomass

in a manner that will optimise the rehabilitation goals as

fast and as effective as possible for that management unit

Developer /

Contractor in

collaboration

with ECO and

land-users


Plant Rescue and indigenous plant materials

All harvested plant materials shall be labelled with

» Genus as minimum, species if known; and.

» Habitat from which materials were collected

ECO Prior to construction

Indigenous plant materials for re-vegetation:

» All plant material shall be obtained from the search-and-

rescue operation on the site prior to clearing or from local

nurseries or reputable seed providers.

» Indigenous materials shall only be removed from their

habitat with the necessary permits whenever applicable.

» Each plant removed shall be handled, packed and stored

Contractor in

collaboration

with ECO

Before, during and after

construction




in a manner suitable for that species.

» Removed plants shall be protected from windburn or

other damage during transportation.

» No plants or plants with exposed roots shall be subjected

to excessive exposure to drying winds and sun, or

subjected to water logging.

» All plants shall be kept free from plant diseases and pests

and protected from rodents or other damaging agents.

» All indigenous plants that have been removed prior to

clearing shall be returned to conditions resembling their

original habitat as close as practically possible.

Seed stocks for rehabilitation

» Seed can be used for cultivation of desirable species for

revegetation.

» Seed shall be utilised for direct sowing or hydroseeding.

» Seed collected from the site must be dried and stored in a

suitable facility under cool (7-10˚C), dry, insect free

conditions until required for cultivation or seeding. Only

viable, ripe seed shall be used.

» Seed harvested shall be insect- and pathogen free.

» Seed harvested shall not contain materials of any invasive

species.

» Prior to clearing, seed shall be collected from the site on a

regular basis as species start to seed to maximise the

amount of fully developed seed secured.

» From sites that will be cleared, 100% of all seeds available

may be collected.

» From sites adjacent to the development, 25% of seeds can

be collected for rehabilitation.

Contractor and

ECO


construction

Site-specific nursery

» On-site nursery facilities shall be erected for the holding of

rescued plant material and the propagation of

appropriate species for re-vegetation.

» Where nursery facilities can only cater for rescued plants,

a suitable (local) nursery shall be identified that will be

willing to receive seeds collected and propagate the

necessary species for later revegetation.

» Soil or other propagation media, were used, shall be

weed- and pathogen free.

» Argentine ants shall be controlled at all times.

» The area where plants are stored shall be kept free of

weeds.

» Plants stored in the designated area shall be protected

from rodents, excessive sun and wind, and inspected

regularly until being planted for pathogens and pests, and

then treated accordingly.

» The nursery shall be adequately secured to prevent loss or

Contractor, ECO

to control





theft of species.

Protected flora

» Ensure that no indigenous protected flora is removed from

its original habitat in the project area without legal

documents from the relevant authorities.

ECO Before, during and after

construction

Topsoil

Avoid

» Management units that will not be developed or selected

elements – trees, rocky outcrops on site shall be

maintained in situ and demarcated clearly to prevent any

disturbance during construction.

» These units will be considered as NO-GO areas during

construction.

Contractor and

ECO

Before, during and

immediately after

construction

Invasives

» Remove all invasive shrubs as per the Working for Water

specifications.

Contractor, ECO

to control


construction

Mulch

» All trees felled shall be debranched and the logs used in

controlling erosion from re-landscaped topsoils and/or

adding surface roughness and organic matter to topsoils

to be rehabilitated.

» All cut branches from trees, as well as all shrubs cleared

from the construction site shall be shredded to mulch,

either by a chipper or by hand to sticks no longer than 10

cm.

» Preparation of mulch shall be done at source

» Mulched material shall be free of seed-bearing invasive

plant material

» The mulch shall be suitably stored – bagged if necessary -

and will be used in rehabilitation and soil erosion

management on the site

» Should additional mulch be used for rehabilitation, this

must be obtained from invasive shrubs of areas not

cleared

» Mulch shall be stored for as short a period as possible

Contractor, ECO

to control

Before, during and

immediately after

construction

Storage of topsoil and subsoil:

» Topsoils constitute the upper 20 – 30 cm of soil only, lower

layers of soil are regarded as subsoil.

» Stockpiling of topsoils and subsoils shall only be done on

previously transformed areas, and be kept at least 50 m

from any remaining natural vegetation.

» Care shall be taken during stockpiling to prevent the

mixing of topsoil with subsoil and/or any other material.

» Topsoils shall be stored in heaps no higher than 100 cm,

and shall be re-applied as soon as possible.

» Care shall be exercised during stockpiling of topsoils to

prevent compaction thereof.

Contractor, ECO

to control

During and immediately after

construction




» Topsoils shall be adequately protected from erosion by

preventing concentration of surface water and scouring

of slopes.

» Erosion of topsoils has to be contained and repaired as

soon as it occurs, before large scale erosion and loss of

topsoil develops.

» Any logs obtained during clearing operations can be used

in continuous rows to curtail erosion where necessary.

Geojute (geotextile) shall be used additionally if the logs

are not sufficient to remedy any erosion – for details refer

to the erosion management plan.

» Where topsoils need to be stored longer than 6 months,

such stockpiles shall be revegetated, even if this has to

include re-seeding to achieve an acceptable cover of

vegetation.

Boulders and rocks

» Where removed during clearing, should be stored

separately and used in the rehabilitation program.

» Boulders and rocks must be partially buried within the

topsoil layer wherever practical to provide greater soil-

holding stability and reduce water erosion.

» Placement of rocks and boulders shall mimic the natural

occurrence of rocks and boulders in the area.

Contractor, ECO

to control

During and after construction

Rehabilitation of surface

Prior to the application of topsoil

» Subsoil shall be shaped and trimmed to blend in with the

surrounding landscape or used for erosion mitigation

measures.

» Ground surface or shaped subsoil shall be ripped or

scarified with a mechanical ripper or by hand to a depth

of 15 – 20 cm.

» Compacted soil shall be ripped to a depth greater than

25 cm and the trimmed by hand to prevent re-

compacting the soil.

» Any rubbish, concrete remnants, steel remnants or other

objects introduced to the site during the construction

process shall be cleared before ripping, or shaping and

trimming of any landscapes to be rehabilitated takes

place.

» Shaping will be to roughly round off cuts and fills and any

other earthworks to stable forms, sympathetic to the

natural surrounding landscapes.

Contractor, ECO

to control


Application of topsoil

» Topsoils shall be spread evenly over the ripped or trimmed

surface, if possible not deeper than the topsoil originally

removed.

Contractor, ECO

to control





» The final prepared surface shall not be smooth but

furrowed to follow the natural contours of the land.

» The final prepared surface shall be free of any pollution or

any kind of contamination.

» Care shall be taken to prevent the compaction of topsoil.

» Where applicable, the final prepared surface will also

contain scattered rocks and/or logs to mimic the natural

condition of the original habitat or area and to aid in soil

stabilisation and erosion control.

Soil stabilisation

» Mulch from brush shall be applied by hand to achieve a

layer of uniform thickness.

» Mulch shall be rotovated into the upper 10 cm layer of soil:

o this operation shall not be attempted if the wind

strength is such as to remove the mulch before it can

be incorporated into the topsoil

» In very rocky areas a layer of mulch shall be applied prior

to adding the topsoil.

» Measures shall be taken to protect all areas susceptible to

erosion by installing temporary and permanent drainage

work as soon as possible:

o where natural water flow-paths can be identified,

subsurface drains or suitable surface drains and chutes

need to be installed.

» Additional measures shall be taken to prevent surface

water from being concentrated in streams and from

scouring slopes, banks or other areas:

o if mulch is limited, available mulch, together with

harvested seeds, should be concentrated in these

hollows to promote rapid re-vegetation in them

» Runnels or erosion channels developing shall be back-

filled and restored to a proper condition:

o such measures shall be effected immediately before

erosion develops at a large scale.

» Where erosion cannot be remedied with available mulch,

logs or rocks, geojute shall be used to curtail erosion.

Contractor, ECO

to control


Borrow-pits

» Shall be shaped to have undulating, low-gradient slopes

and surfaces that are rough and irregular, suitable for

trapping sediments and facilitation of plant growth.

» Upon completion of rehabilitation these reshaped and

revegetated areas shall blend into the natural terrain.

Contractor, ECO

to control

After construction

Revegetation

Recreate a non-invasive, acceptable vegetation cover that will

facilitate the establishment of desirable and/or indigenous

species:

» revegetation of the final prepared area is expected to

Contractor, ECO

to control

Successively during

construction, as construction

of individual components is

completed, then followed up




occur spontaneously to some degree where topsoils could

be re-applied within 6 months; and

» revegetation will be done according to an approved

planting/landscaping plan according to the

management units initially delineated and their respective

desirable end states and permissible vegetation.

until desired end state is

reached.

Re-seeding

» Revegetation can be increased where necessary by

hand- seeding indigenous species:

o previously collected and stored seeds shall be sown

evenly over the designated areas, and be covered

by means of rakes or other hand tools.

» Re-seeding shall occur at the recommended time to take

advantage of the growing season.

» In the absence of sufficient follow-up rains after seeds

started germinating, watering of the new vegetation

cover until it is established shall become necessary to

avoid loss of this vegetative cover and the associated

seedbank.

» Where, after initial re-seeding, the no acceptable

vegetation cover has established within 12 months,

hydroseeding should be considered as an option for

follow-up revegetation work.

» Sowing rates of seeds used during hydro-seeding should

be obtained from the relevant supplier and in

accordance with the existing environment.

Contractor, ECO

to control

Successively during





reached.

Planting of species

» Species to be planted include all rescued species.

» The size of planting holes shall be sufficiently large to

ensure that the entire root system is well covered with

topsoil.

» Soil around the roots of container plants shall not be

disturbed.

» Bulbous plants shall be planted in groups or as features in

selected areas.

» Before placement of larger plant specimens into prepared

holes, the holes shall be watered if not sufficiently moist.

» During transplanting care shall be taken to limit or prevent

damage to roots.

» Plants should be watered immediately after transplanting

to help bind soil particles to the roots (or soil-ball around

rooted plants) and so facilitate the new growth and

functioning of roots.

Contractor, ECO

to control

Successively during





reached

Traffic on revegetated areas

» Designated tracks shall be created for pedestrian of

vehicle traffic where necessary.

» Disturbance of vegetation and topsoil must be kept to a

Contractor Before, during and after

construction




practical minimum, no unauthorised off road driving will

be allowed.

» All livestock shall be excluded from revegetated areas.

Establishment

» The establishment and new growth of revegetated and

replanted species shall be closely monitored.

» Where necessary, reseeding or replanting will have to be

done if no acceptable plant cover has been created.

Contractor Successively during





reached

Monitoring and follow-up treatments

Monitor success of rehabilitation and revegetation and take

remedial actions as needed according to the respective plan:

» Erosion shall be monitored at all times and measures taken as

soon as detected; and

» Where necessary, reseeding or replanting will have to be

done if no acceptable plant cover has been created.

ECO during

construction,

suitable

designated

person/institution

after that

During and after construction,

during operational and

decommis-sioning phase

Weeding

» It can be anticipated that invasive species and weeds will

germinate on rehabilitated soils:

o These need to be hand-pulled before they are fully

established and/or reaching a mature stage where they

can regenerate; and

o Where invasive shrubs re-grow, they will have to be

eradicated according to the Working for Water

specifications.

Performance Indicator » No activity in identified no-go areas;

» Acceptable level of activity within disturbance areas, as determined by ECO;

» Natural configuration of habitats as part of ecosystems or cultivated land is

retained or recreated, thus ensuring a diverse but stable hydrology, substrate and

general environment for species to be able to become established and persist;

» The structural integrity and diversity of natural plant communities is recreated or

maintained;

» Indigenous biodiversity continually improves according to the pre-determined

desirable end state ;

o This end state, if healthy, will be dynamic and able to recover by itself after

occasional natural disturbances without returning to a degraded state; and

» Ecosystem function of natural landscapes and their associated vegetation is

improved or maintained.

Monitoring » Fortnightly inspections of the site by ECO during construction

» An incident reporting system must record non-conformances to the EMPr.

» Quarterly inspections and monitoring of the site by the ECO or personnel

designated to the rehabilitation process until 80% of the desired plant species have

become established:

o These inspections should be according to the monitoring protocol set out in

the rehabilitation plan.



» Thereafter annual inspections according to the minimal monitoring protocol .



B. APPENDIX: CHECKLIST OF ACTIONS FOR REHABILITATION PLANNING

Conceptual Planning » Identify rehabilitation site locations and its boundaries;

» Identify ownership of rehabilitation program;

» Describe improvements that are anticipated following rehabilitation;

» Identify the kind of ecosystem to be rehabilitated at each site;

» Identify rehabilitation goals and desirable end state;

» Identify physical site conditions in need of repair;

» Identify stressors in need of regulation or re-initiation to maintain the

integrity of the ecosystem, such as aliens, erosion, fire-regime;

» Identify the list and kinds of interventions of abiotic and biotic

interventions that are and will be needed;

» Identify landscape restrictions and whether or not its integrity is

dependent on a functioning ecosystem outside the project area;

» Determine project funding and sources;

» Identify labour sources and equipment needs;

» Identify biotic resource needs and sources, e.g. suitable topsoil, seeds;

» Identify any permit requirements or other legal issues;

» Determine project duration; and

» Outline adaptable strategies for long-term protection and management.

Preliminary Tasks » Appoint a rehabilitation practitioner who is in charge of all the technical

aspects of rehabilitation;

» Appoint a restoration team and train where necessary to ensure effective

implementation;

» Prepare a budget to accommodate the completion of preliminary tasks;

» Document existing site conditions, also describing biota;

» Conduct pre-project monitoring as needed, including soil chemistry, that

may affect the success of the rehabilitation program;

» Establish a reference site or past reference that represents the desired

end state of the site;

» Gather information on key species to be re-introduced;

» Conduct investigations as needed to assess the effectiveness of

restoration methods and strategies used in similar habitats up to date;

» Decide if rehabilitation goals are realistic or need modification;

» Prepare a list of objectives that need to be reached to achieve

restoration goals;

» Ensure liaison with affected stakeholders, especially as far as

rehabilitation goals are concerned; and

» Investigate available accedes and infrastructure needed to facilitate

implementation of rehabilitation.

Implementation

phase

» Describe the interventions that will be implemented to attain each set

objective;

» Acknowledge potential for passive restoration where viable;

» Prepare performance standards and monitoring protocols to measure

the attainment of each objective;

» Schedule tasks needed to fulfil each objective;

» Obtain equipment, supplies and biotic resources as needed; and



» Prepare an appropriate budget.

Implementation tasks » Mark boundaries and work areas;

» Install permanent monitoring fixtures; and

» Implement restoration tasks.

Post-implementation

tasks

» Protect the rehabilitation site against initial disturbance, including

herbivores;

» Perform post-implementation maintenance, especially continued

monitoring and eradication of emerging IAPs; and

» Monitor site at least once per year, using the LFA technique, and identify

needs for adaptive management.

Evaluation » Assess monitoring data to determine whether performance standards are

met and rehabilitation objectives reached and maintained; and

» Conduct an ecological evaluation of the newly completed

rehabilitation.



C. APPENDIX: TRANSPLANTING GUIDELINES FOR PLANTS WITH UNDERGROUND

STORAGE ORGANS

Many of the plants in harsh environments have underground storage organs from which they resprout

every year after sufficient rains, flower and then die back soon after fruiting and remain dormant, out of

sight until the next growing season. All species of the families Amaryllidaceae, Iridaceae, Orchidaceae

are protected provincially, nationally and/or internationally, as are many species of other monocot

species.

Root system: underground storage organs are variable in size, but usually between 15 and 40 cm

deep in the soil.

Transplanting: success of transplanting is usually very high IF handled correctly.

Rescue 101: Plants should be lifted and transplanted after flowering and fruiting, preferably as

the leaves start to die back. For lifting, loosen the soil or wedge apart rocks working

from a circle of about 20 cm away from the base of the plant, working inwards but

not closer than about 5 cm of the plant with a sharp narrow object such as a

koevoet. Once the soil is loosened, gently feel by hand where the bulb, corm, or

other storage organ is, and wedge out by hand, taking care not to damage it.

Remove loose soil, gently cleanse off most of remaining soil, or rinse off the storage

organ. Group these according to species and label clearly, keep records of labels

to include name if that is known, or a brief description or photo, also the average

depth of the organs when they were removed, and the habitat they were removed

from. Spread these plants so that the storage organ can dry completely, and then

loosely pack into newspaper or paper bag and then store in a shaded, dry position

for maximally 3 months. Transplant into soil that is as similar as possible to the original

habitat, TAKING CARE that the growing point of the organ points to the top, else the

plant will die. Make sure the storage organs are positioned according to the

records kept about original depth of the storage organ.

Aftercare: Firm down soil around the base of the plant once it is in a new position. Allow plant

to resprout naturally after sufficient rains, do not water. As these plants may not be

visible for a while, clearly demarcate the area where these have been planted to

avoid disturbing and potentially destroying them later on.

APPENDIX I(D):

DRAFT BIRD MONITORING PROGRAMME FOR THE

OPERATIONAL PHASE

Great Karoo Wind Energy Facility July 2019

Bird Monitoring Programme for the Operation Phase 1

DRAFT BIRD MONITORING PROGRAMME FOR THE OPERATIONAL PHASE

1. Purpose

This document serves as a framework for the set-up of post-construction bird monitoring set-up during the

operational phase of the wind energy facility. Aims include:

» To compare the abundance index for all the priority species within the development area after

construction against the pre-construction baseline to measure actual displacement due to the

construction and operation of the wind farm. Recommended survey method is line transect counts.

» To estimate the risk of priority species colliding with the wind turbines by recording actual collisions and

comparing post-construction flight patterns with pre-construction baseline data. Recommended

methods are carcass searches and VP watches.

This document was originally submitted as part of the final EIR submission in 2014. The monitoring will need

to be updated based on current guidelines.

2. Methodology for calculating abundance index using line transects

Ideally, surveys should be conducted in two seasons of years 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 and 15; after the wind farm

becomes operational. Bird responses to wind farms may operate over very long periods of time, and that

monitoring needs to take this into account, as results from short term observational studies are unlikely to

be representative.

3. Methodology for estimating actual collision rates using carcass searches

Carcass searches are the most direct way of estimating the number of collisions and hence the likely

impact on species of conservation importance. Measures of the number of collisions can also help to

quantify avoidance rates (as used in collision risk modelling calculations), and, when collisions can be

ascribed to a particular time, contribute to an understanding of environmental conditions and behaviours

that increase collision risk.

The value of surveying the area for collision victims only holds if some measure of the accuracy of the

survey method is developed. To do this, a sample of suitable bird carcasses (of similar size and colour to

the priority species – e.g. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus, domestic waterfowl and pigeons)

should be obtained and distributed randomly around the site without the knowledge of the surveyor,

sometime before the site is surveyed. This process should be repeated opportunistically (as and when

suitable bird carcasses become available) for the first two months of the monitoring period, with the total

number of carcasses not less than 20. The proportion of the carcasses located in surveys will indicate the

relative efficiency of the survey method.

Simultaneous to this process, the condition and presence of all the carcasses positioned on the site should

be monitored throughout the initial two-month period, to determine the rates at which carcasses are



scavenged from the area, or decay to the point that they are no longer obvious to the surveyor. This

should provide an indication of scavenge rate that should inform subsequent survey work for collision

victims, particularly in terms of the frequency of surveys required to maximise survey efficiency and/or the

extent to which estimates of collision frequency should be adjusted to account for scavenge rate.

Scavenger numbers and activity in the area may vary seasonally so, ideally, scavenge and decomposition

rates should be measured twice during the monitoring year, once in winter and once in summer.

The area within a radius of at least 50 m of each of the turbines (from the outer edge of rotor zone) at the

facility should be checked regularly for bird casualties. The frequency of these surveys should be informed

by assessments of scavenge and decomposition rates conducted in the initial stages of the monitoring

period (see above), but they should be done at least weekly for the first two months of the study. The area

around each turbine, or a larger area encompassing the entire facility, should be divided into quadrants,

and each should be carefully and methodically searched for any sign of a bird collision incident

(carcasses, dismembered body parts, scattered feathers, injured birds). All suspected collision incidents

should be comprehensively documented, detailing the precise location (preferably a GPS reading), date

and time at which the evidence was found, and the site of the find should be photographed with all the

evidence in situ. All physical evidence should then be collected, bagged and carefully labelled, and

refrigerated or frozen to await further examination. If any injured birds are recovered, each should be

contained in a suitably-sized cardboard box. The local conservation authority should be notified and

requested to transport casualties to the nearest reputable veterinary clinic or wild animal/bird

rehabilitation centre. In such cases, the immediate area of the recovery should be searched for evidence

of impact with the turbine blades, and any such evidence should be fully documented (as above).

This document can be updated as and when required.

4. References

Barnes, K.N. 2000. The Eskom Red Data Book of birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. BirdLife South

Africa, Randburg, 2000.

De Lucas, M., Janss G.F.E and Ferrer M. A bird and small mammal BACI and IG design studies in a wind

farm in Malpica (Spain). 2005. Biodiversity and Conservation 14:3289-3303

Harrison, J.A., Allan, D.G., Underhill, L.G., Herremans, M., Tree, A.J., Parker, V & Brown, C.J. (eds). 1997. The

atlas of southern African birds. Vol. 1&2. BirdLife South Africa: Johannesburg.

Jenkins, A.R., Van Rooyen, C., Smallie, J., Anderson, M.D., & Smit, H. 2011. BirdLife South Africa/Endangered

Wildlife Trust Best Practice Guidelines for Avian Monitoring and Impact Mitigation at proposed wind energy

development sites in southern Africa.

Retief, E.F, Diamond, M., Anderson, M.D., Smit, Dr. H.A., Jenkins Dr. A. & Brooks, M. 2011. Avian Wind Farm

Sensitivity Map for South Africa: Criteria and Procedures Used.

StatSoft, Inc. STATISTICA (data analysis software system), Version 10. 2011

www.Statsoft.com.

Taylor, P.B., Navarro, R.A., Wren-Sargent, M., Harrison, J.A. & Kieswetter, S.L. 1999. Coordinated waterbird

Counts in South Africa, 1992-1997. Avian Demography Unit, Cape Town.



Young, D.J., Harrison, J.A., Navarro, R.A., Anderson, M.D. and Colahan, B.D. (eds). 2003. Big Birds on Farms:

Mazda CAR Report 1993-2001. Avian Demographic Unit. University of Cape Town, South Africa.

APPENDIX I(E):

DRAFT BAT MONITORING PROGRAMME FOR THE

OPERATIONAL PHASE


Bat Monitoring Programme for the Operational Phase 1

DRAFT BAT MONITORING PROGRAMME FOR THE OPERATIONAL PHASE

1. Purpose

At present there is no credible knowledge concerning how South African bats are affected by the

installation and operation of wind energy turbines. Therefore a post-construction bat monitoring study is

advised. The purpose of this document is provide the principles for bat monitoring during the operational

phase of the wind energy facility

This document was originally submitted as part of the final EIR submission in 2014. The monitoring will need

to be updated based on current guidelines.

2. Aim of Monitoring

The aim of post-construction bat monitoring would be to analyse changes in bat activity patterns, perform

mortality surveys and counts at specific turbines where fatalities are noticed to be the highest and to

assess the effectiveness of the suggested mitigations.

If the negative impact of the turbines is significant enough to have impacted the ability of the bat

population to survive, reproduce, or be affected significantly in their local distribution or abundance, this

puts the population of bats at risk. This in turn runs the risk of infringing the National Environmental

Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004, unless mitigation is implemented.

The first two years of wind farm operation is the vital period in which to collect post-construction data as

this is when any change in bat activity and mortalities are most likely to occur.

The South African Good Practice Guidelines for Surveying Bats in Wind Farm Developments (Sowler &

Stoffberg, 2014) recommend that a minimum of two years intensive post-construction monitoring be

undertaken, but auditing for impacts should continue throughout the lifespan of the facility (Sowler &

Stoffberg, 2014). The post-construction study should ideally additionally utilise acoustic monitoring via

passive bat detectors installed at the nacelle (hub/casing) height on turbines identified most l ikely to be at

risk from having bat activity and potentially causing mortality.

Operational phase bat monitoring objectives include

» Determine mortality rates following construction and operation of wind farm

» Assess changes in bat activity patterns due to turbines

» Quantify the impacts of the operational wind energy facility with the use of pre-construction

monitoring data

» Identify bat species subject to mortality

» Identify causes of mortality

» Identify specific periods of high mortality rates

» Evaluate the success of mitigation measures, and inform an adaptive mitigation plan and application



3. Monitoring Protocol

The bat monitoring should be carried out throughout all seasons of the year, especially during periods with

increased rainfall and temperatures when insect numbers may be elevated. Sampling effort for carcass

searches should be every 7 days preferably and can be done by local independent staff. Acoustic data

collection from the passive systems would typically be every 3 months by specialists visiting the site. During

each site visit stored carcass' should be identified, carcass searches conducted and infrared/thermal

technology may be utilised to observe bat activity and behaviour around turbines and on site.

A statistically relevant sub-sample of the turbines should be selected for monitoring to cover all impacted

habitat types and spatial extent of the developed area, as well as allowing for experimental comparisons

during application of adaptive mitigation management.

» Acoustic monitoring

Acoustic monitoring equipment (e.g. SM3BAT ultrasonic recorder) should be installed at the nacelle height

on selected turbines, these systems will record bat activity continuously every night for the entire night, for

comparison to mortalities in order to estimate a proportionate mortality rate of local bat populations.

» Mortality surveys

Mortality surveys should be carried out to identify the number of bats killed per turbine over a known

period of time (expressed as bats/turbine/time). This value represents a minimum estimate of bat mortality

and is adjusted for bat carcass removal rates and searcher efficiency.

Mortality surveys typically include the following procedures:

» Standardized Search: counting the number of carcasses found around the turbines identified to

potentially cause mortality

» Carcass Removal Trials: monitoring of bat carcasses removed by scavengers to estimate the length of

time that carcasses remain in the field

» Searcher Efficiency Trials: percentage of carcasses found by searchers in the varying habitats

throughout the wind farm.

» Quantify and if possible standardise the searchable plot area around each turbine, also ideally rate

searchable areas according to a likely risk of not finding a carcass.

Transect size and spacing of mortality surveys

Surveys should be concentrated under the turbine and cover an area of at least 1/2 of the turbine height

where possible and feasible. Searches should ideally be symmetrical around the turbine using

linear/circular transects equally spaced if possible.

When found, carcasses should be photographed in the position found, GPS position noted, and collected.

Carcasses should be collected in plastic bags, labelled, and frozen for species identification and/or



autopsy. This proposal relies on the assumption that local staff will be available on a weekly basis for

carcass searches.

4. Adaptive management approach

The effects of turbines and wind farms on South African bats are unknown. Currently there are no South

African guidelines for a post – construction bat monitoring protocol that is adaptive for our unique

challenges. Thus the methodology described in this document is tentative and subject to change. The

monitoring program may also be adapted to suit field conditions.

A precautionary and adaptive mitigation management approach must be adopted based on the results

and certainty of results of the post – construction bat monitoring program. Mitigation management and

mortality surveys may possibly be altered significantly as technological advancements can cause other

methodologies to be more favourable.

This document may be updated as and when required.

Reviewed and signed off by:

Werner Marais

Zoologist and Ecologist

MSc (Biodiversity & Conservation, UJ)

Pr.Sci.Nat. – SACNASP

(Zoological Science)



5. References

ACR. 2010. African Chiroptera Report, 2010. African Bats, Pretoria.

Bernard, R. T. F. and Tsita, J. N. 1995.Seasonally monoestrous reproduction in the molossid bat, Tadarida

aegyptiaca, from low temperature latitudes (35⁰S) in South Africa. South African Journal of Zoology 30: 18-

22.

Cryan, P.M. and R.M.R. Barclay. 2009. Causes of bat fatalities at wind turbines: Hypotheses and

predictions. Journal of Mammalogy 90: 1330-1340.

Herselman, J. C. 1980. The distribution and status of bats in the Cape Province. International Report.

Cape Department of Nature and Environmental Conservation.

Lynch, C. D. 1989. The mammals of the north-eastern Cape Province. Mem. Nas. Mus.

Bloemfontein 25: 1-116.

Monadjem, A., Taylor, P.J., Cotterill, F.P.D. & Schoeman, M.C. (2010). Bats of southern and central

Africa – A biogeographic and taxonomic synthesis, Ultra Litho (Pty) Ltd, Johannesburg.

Mucina, L. and Rutherford, M. C. 2006. The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland-Strelitzia 19,

South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Sowler, S. and Stoffberg, S. 2014. South African good practice guidelines for surveying bats in wind farm

developments. Endangered Wildlife Trust.

Taylor, P. J. 2000. Bats of southern Africa, University of Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg.

van der Merwe, M. 1979. Growth of ovarian follicles in the Natal clinging bat. South African Journal of

Zoology 14: 111-117.

van der Merwe, M. 1994. Reproductive biology of the Cape serotine bat, Eptesicus capensis, in the

Transvaal, South Africa. South African Journal of Zoology 29: 36-39.

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